World Connect

Up-scaling Chisomo beefarming club for income generation in Nkhata Bay

Year: 2023

Country: Malawi

Project Status: Funded

Impact Sector: Economic Opportunity

Project Investment: $8,288.02

Project Launch: 11-21-23

Extra Mile Development Foundation will work with the Chisomo beekeeping club in Nkhata Bay to up-scale its existing honey production business. The project will build a permanent honey processing unit to create a safe and hygienic space for extracting honey, bottling and packaging to all members as well as train 30 members of the club in honey harvesting, extraction and packaging skills. Additionally, the project will provide additional bee hives and materials used in honey harvesting to processing and packaging.

Project Update: 12-19-23

In the village of Nkondezi, located in Nkhata Bay, a community driven beekeeping project spearheaded by the Chisomo Beekeeping Club is gaining momentum. The initiative, aimed at alleviating poverty through beekeeping, commenced with a $8,288.02 co-investment. Within just one month of investment, the project has achieved significant milestones, including the construction of a beekeeping house to the ring beam level, procured honey processing equipment and Personal Protective Equipment, including beekeeping suits, gloves, and boots, ensuring the safety of those involved in beekeeping activities. To be fully completed, the project remains with final touches of the beekeeping house, needs to acquire additional beehives, and conduct comprehensive training sessions on honey harvesting, extraction, and packaging skills. The project will increase production and profits from bee farming, empowering the 30 club members through the generated income. This, in turn, will enable them to address basic needs and mitigate food insecurity within their communities.

Final Report: 1-30-25

The Extra Mile Foundation has successfully supported the Chisomo Youth Club in expanding its beekeeping business in Nkhatabay. The project used $8,288.22 to construct a permanent honey processing unit consisting of showroom, storage and processing rooms to enable hygienic extraction, bottling, and packaging of honey. Additionally, 28 new hives, a honey processing machine, and essential protective gear were procured to enhance productivity. As a way of ensuring project sustainability, 29 club members (17 women and 12 men) received comprehensive training in honey harvesting, extraction, and packaging. This initiative has significantly strengthened the club’s income-generating capacity, as evidenced by the increase in honey production from 250 kilograms in 9 beehives in 2023 to 450 kilograms in 20 beehives in 2024, marking a 55% rise. This growth enabled members to share K45,000, compared to K15,000 per harvesting cycle in the previous year representing a 200% increase in income. This development has led to improved household economies, reduced food insecurity, and decreased financial dependency which are critical factors in mitigating the risks of sexual and domestic violence.