Beekeeper training

At the heart of our work is nature-based beekeeping training for sustainable livelihoods. Working within communities, we teach people how to make local style bee hives and set up their apiary. We then show them how to encourage bees to colonise the hives and give them the skills and confidence to harvest high quality honey and beeswax.

Success in beekeeping depends on deep local knowledge: understanding when bees swarm, when flowers produce nectar and pollen, and the optimal times for harvesting. This is why we always work with local trainers, who teach regionally appropriate, sustainable beekeeping methods.

1,074

beekeepers trained in 2024

212

new beekeepers supported by Beekeeping Extension Agents in 2024

15

villages supported by Beekeeper Extension Agents in 2024

Beekeeper training sessions

Newly trained beekeepers in Ghana with a selection of different style hives made as part of the course

In our training sessions, we teach local style hive making which involves using freely available natural materials, for example bark, logs, bamboo and grasses which are abundant in many tropical and sub-tropical nations where we work.

Evidence from honey producing regions in developing nations shows that where hives are cheapest, total honey harvests are highest because the barrier to participation is low, allowing more people to derive a sustainable harvest from their natural resources – trees and bees!

In 2024 we trained 1,074 beekeepers across six countries.

Apiary setup

Working for Bees team with landowner Dr. Pise who owns 150 hectares of land. The Nyazura womens’ beekeeping group members will have access to this area to carry out their beekeeping, tree planting and conservation activities.

In areas where people do not have access to land, we help beekeepers connect with landowners and negotiate mutually beneficial agreements. Farmers gain from pollination services, landowners from forest protection, and beekeepers gain space for their hives.

In 2024, our partners in Zimbabwe signed a contract with a local landowner who has given a group of newly trained women beekeepers access to 150 hectares for beekeeping, tree planting and conservation.

Ongoing support

Beekeeping Extension Agents in Ghana – Rejoice, Florence and Clara

Our work doesn’t end when the training workshop does. We know that learning in beekeeping is an ongoing process and rather than sending beekeepers off to set up their apiaries and manage their bee colonies on their own, we have Beekeeping Extension Agents who regularly check in with new beekeepers – to troubleshoot and assist where needed.

In 2024, our Beekeeping Extension Agents in Ghana monitored 212 new beekeepers in 15 villages.

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Case Study

Adam Mohammed, trained as a a beekeeper with Bees for Development Ghana in Kwahu Afram Plains.

His child is in the Senior High School and was preparing for his final examination however there was a fee of GH₵1,400.00. Adam had no money, but had some livestock to sell. He found someone who wanted to buy a goat at GH₵600.00. However, the amount wasn’t enough to pay the fees.

“My son reminded me of my beehives. We quickly went to inspect them. Lo and behold, we went to harvest from two colonies. We had 30kg of liquid honey and sold it in Donkokrom market earning GH₵2,000.00.

We were amazed at the returns from the honey sales. I paid my child’s fee and made 2 more hives from the honey proceeds. I now have 25 hives with 5 colonies.”