Up-scalling beekeeping for income generation among female headed households in Nkhata Bay

About this Project

This project aims to strengthen the beekeeping initiative of the Chisomo Bee Farming Club, a group of 23 female-headed households and caregivers of orphans in Nkhata Bay, Malawi. The group currently manages 50 beehives and a honey processing unit that was constructed using a 2024 grant from Mudzi Connect. Despite all of these accomplishments, the group requires extensive capacity strengthening to enhance the optimal utilization of the resources available. This project therefore will deliver practical, hands-on training in hive management, harvesting, and honey processing techniques. These sessions will focus on key areas such as colony attraction, pest control, and maintenance hence enabling the group to increase the number of colonized hives and ensure all 50 hives are active and producing honey. Furthermore, the participants will also be trained in business and financial literacy, leadership development, marketing, branding, and storytelling to improve packaging and attract a broader customer base. This project will work jointly with the District Agricultural Executive Committee (DAEC) and the District Environment Sub-Committee (DESC). Overall, the project will equip the group’s 30 participants with valuable skills that will enhance their business. 

The beekeeping project implemented by Extra Mile Foundation and aimed at upscaling the Chisomo Beekeeping Club into a sustainable income-generating initiative for female-headed households in Nkondezi, Traditional Authority Nkumbira, Nkhata Bay, has made notable progress. Using 60% of the project funds, essential equipment such as bee suits, gloves, gumboots, smokers, and packaging materials were procured. Solar-powered lighting was installed in the honey processing house to improve security and safe processing, while piped water installation from the Water Board is underway, with meter installation pending.

In terms of capacity building, the project facilitated an exchange learning visit to Mtoto Beekeeping Club, where members gained skills in leadership, governance, and operations. Chisomo club members were also trained in hive management, colony attraction, pest control, and harvesting, alongside training in group dynamics, financial literacy, marketing and branding, and the establishment of a Village Savings and Loan (VSL) group. Once completed, the project is expected to improve livelihoods through increased honey production and sales.