An introduction to some members of the Malawi Bee Products Association

Blog by William Van Blyderveen

Posted: 18 November 2025

The Malawi Bee Products Association includes a diverse array of members – representing producers and processors ranging from individuals to cooperatives. By supporting MBPA growth, we can support beekeepers like these across Malawi.

The following are short introductions to members of the MBPA.

Amon Kabuli

I am Amon Kabuli, an agribusiness expert, beekeeper as well as honey processor with over 15 years’ experience in beekeeping and honey value chain. My role in MBPA is that of the Executive Secretary which is to coordinate the operations of the Association.

I became interested in beekeeping in 2015 as part of a strategy to support the livelihoods of farmers who were conserving their forests in the Southern Region of Malawi. Beekeeping is very important as it supports the livelihoods of even the most vulnerable communities to get an income that support their families and beekeeping usually leads to better management of forests and natural resources.

A national beekeeping association is the only way bee keepers and other players in the honey value chain can coordinate their operations as well as share knowledge, skills and information related to beekeeping opportunities

Amon presenting the 2026 workplan at the recent Annual General Members meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Rosyln Kasunda

My name is Roselyn Kasunda Blackson, 28, an agriculturist and passionate commercial honey beekeeper. I run a social enterprise called Peculiar Honeybee Products and Services (PEHOPS). I completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture obtained from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (LUANAR) and I am currently pursing Master of Science in in Sustainable Agriculture. I am the treasurer general of the MBPA.

My journey into the world of honey production was motivated by a desire to not only work with bees and produce high quality honey but also to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system and fight against climate change. I was also fascinated by bees and their important role in pollination and health ecosystem. This led me to pursue beekeeping as a business.

My dream for the Malawi Bee Products Association is that it becomes a powerful, well coordinated platform that professionalises the sector, links producers to reliable markets, and champions inclusive, climate smart practices. I want MBPA to scale interventions that create sustainable livelihoods (particularly for people with disabilities and youth), promote product quality and value addition, and support community-based actions such as protected woodlots and tree rental schemes that both boost incomes and conserve forests.

Rosyln at work training beekeepers

Mphatso Jalasi

My name is Mphatso Jalasi. I am a board member and an active member of the Malawi Bee Products Association (MBPA). My background is in marketing, and I have been involved in beekeeping and honey processing for one year.

I am the Director for Wild foods Investment, the investment is based which works with local farmers to produce, process, and trade honey and other bee products.

I started beekeeping after noticing a high demand for honey in my community. At first, I was buying honey from local farmers because it was available but not well packaged or branded. I began repacking and selling it to improve its presentation and to help create a market link for the farmers. However, due to frequent supply interruptions, I decided to start my own beekeeping to ensure a consistent supply. My goal now is to grow the business further and eventually contribute to the export market.

I strongly believe a national beekeeping association could be the best platform for stakeholders to discuss all the issues facing the industry, set quality standards, and advocate for policies that support the industry’s growth.

My dream for MBPA is to see it become a leading voice for all beekeepers in Malawi, promoting sustainable practices, expanding market access, and ensuring that Malawi’s honey earns recognition for its quality both locally and abroad.

Mphatso at the AGM in Lilongwe

Patrick Chinkhota

I am Patrick Chinkhota from Malawi, in central Africa and based in the southern region city of the country, Blantyre. I am a Mechanical Engineer and I worked for 27 years in the various food manufacturing industries. After retiring I joined Nasuluma Penta-Na Enterprise as its Director. The organisation deals with beekeeping initiatives in the surrounding communities.

My role in MBPA is a board member, helping to foster the development of this organisation across the country so that Malawians know the full potential of beekeeping.

I am interested in the associations as I feel it is one of the bodies that brings an awareness to the public concerning the importance of beekeeping – to broaden their income generating activities in a way that is less stressful and destructive to the environment.