I never realised beekeeping could change lives
Blog by BfD team
Posted: 17 August 2026
Meet Issa
My name is Issa Assibu, and I’m doing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Environmental Management at Mzuzu University in Malawi. I come from Lunguzi Village, Traditional Authority Lundu, Blantyre District. Although I am not currently employed by any organization or public institution, I volunteer my time supporting local beekeepers by helping them install beehives correctly, maintain their hives, and harvest honey using proper beekeeping practices. Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate how beekeeping can improve livelihoods while conserving the environment.
My interest in beekeeping grew from my passion for environmental conservation and my desire to help communities improve their incomes in a sustainable way. As a forestry student, I have learned that forests and bees have a close relationship. Healthy forests provide bees with nectar, pollen, and shelter, while bees play an essential role in pollinating crops and wild plants. This relationship contributes to increased agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, and healthy ecosystems. I wanted to be part of an activity that not only generates income but also encourages people to protect forests instead of destroying them. Beekeeping provides exactly that opportunity.
Image above: Honey harvesting at Lupaso in Mzuzu
Before taking the beekeeping course, I believed that beekeeping was simply about producing honey. However, the course completely changed my perspective. I learned how to identify suitable apiary sites, install and manage beehives, inspect bee colonies, prevent and control pests and diseases, harvest and process honey hygienically, and handle bees safely. I also learned about other valuable bee products such as beeswax, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly. Beyond these technical skills, I discovered the importance of bees in supporting food production through pollination and their contribution to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.
The practical knowledge I gained has been very useful. It has enabled me to confidently assist local beekeepers on a voluntary basis and share good beekeeping practices within my community. Every successful hive installation and honey harvest has strengthened my confidence and reminded me that small actions can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What surprised me most was that beekeeping requires relatively little land and investment compared to many other agricultural enterprises, making it an accessible opportunity for young people and rural households.
Images: Hive installation at Choma in Mzuzu
Images: Top bar beehive construction at department of forestry.
The skills I have gained are shaping my future ambitions. After completing my studies, I plan to establish a commercial beekeeping enterprise that produces high-quality honey and other bee products for both local and international markets. I also hope to continue supporting and training young people and rural communities so they can adopt beekeeping as a sustainable source of income. I believe that by encouraging more people to engage in beekeeping, we can reduce poverty, create employment, strengthen household incomes, conserve forests, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Looking back, I can confidently say that I never realised beekeeping could change lives. Today, I understand that beekeeping is much more than honey production. It is a powerful tool for economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. As I continue my journey as a forestry student and volunteer, I remain committed to promoting beekeeping as a way of improving lives, protecting our natural resources, and building a better future for Malawi.
Become a regular giver through Big Give
Sign up to make a regular donation through the Big Give’s pilot programme. Your regular gift will be doubled for the first three months, allowing your support to go even further while providing Bees for Development with reliable, ongoing income to plan and expand our work.
Why become a regular giver?
- Your first three monthly donations will be doubled.
You’ll provide dependable support that helps us plan for the future. - You’ll invest in the next generation of beekeeping champions, creating lasting benefits for people, pollinators and biodiversity.
- Even a small monthly gift can have a lasting impact over time.
Match Funded Regular Giving will:
£10/month – Helps provide practical learning materials for university students
£20/month – Supports hands-on beekeeping training and field experience
£35/month – Helps equip future beekeeping leaders with the skills to improve livelihoods and biodiversity
£50/month – Provides sustained support that enables universities to continue training the next generation of beekeeping champions.
Make a one-off donation to Bees for Development
Give directly to Bees for Development during the campaign, helping us to train more students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to use beekeeping as a tool for sustainable development.
One off Donation will:
£25 helps a student develop practical beekeeping skills
£50 supports field visits where students learn from experienced beekeepers
£75 helps provide practical training alongside academic study
£100 helps train the next generation of beekeeping leaders who will share their knowledge within their communities
