Malawi
We support sustainable beekeeping education and beekeeping networks in Malawi, building local training capacity.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a 50% below the national poverty line. Over 80% rely on agriculture, which is prone to environmental and economic shocks. Beekeeping has significant potential in Malawi, able to complement agricultural livelihoods. While it is valuable livelihood for many small-scale farmers to commercial businesses already, the industry remains unorganised and access to beekeeping training resources and education limited.
Our team in Malawi
Lenson Simumba
Beekeeping trainer
Mzuzu University
Bees for Development supports practical beekeeping training for the apiculture students at Mzuzu University. Mzuzu University is one of the few institutions in Malawi to offer an apiculture course – recognizing the importance of honey bees and beekeeping for forest conservation, for crop pollination and for supporting livelihoods. We developed a linked theory and practical training programme for the second year apiculture course. This programme is taught jointly by the Mzuzu University professor and an experienced beekeeper with extension knowledge. This provides students with a firm grounding in theory and practice.
Building beekeeping networks
We also support the beekeeping industry, working to build a national network. Beekeeping remains unorganised, with few connections between beekeepers across the country. By working with partners to organise networking events, we hope to build a national beekeeping network or association, capable of supporting and advocating for beekeepers.
Part of this work focuses on establishing a national beekeeping association, similar to The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO). A network can support beekeepers with access to markets, deliver extension training, and provide a platform for beekeepers to advocate for beekeeping at a national level.
Case Study
Bees for Development in partnership with GiZ Malawi and Winrock International hosted the first National Malawi Honey Show on 7–8 November 2024. The vibrant event brought over 70 beekeepers representing beekeeping cooperatives, associations, processors, honey buyers and equipment suppliers together for a trade show and two days of discussions and workshops.
The Trade Show was opened by Mr Owen Kumwenda, Deputy Director of Agriculture in Northern Malawi, who spoke about the potential of the beekeeping industry. On the second day, Dickson Biryomumaisho, Executive Director of The Uganda National Apiculture Organisation (TUNADO), talked about TUNADO’s success, their organisational structure, and how Malawi can build its own vibrant national association
This is an example of bringing beekeepers together to address the challenges and opportunities for beekeeping in Malawi. Through these networks, we will work towards building a strong national association.
Dickson, executive director from TUNADO, judging displays at the honey show.
Latest news from Malawi
Read some articles from our blog with all the latest news from Malawi.
