UPSCALING COMMERCIAL BEE-KEEPING PROGRAM TO KAPOMBEDZA COOPERATIVE WHICH IS UNDER MALUSO COOPERATIVE UNION FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS, COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE AND SAVING MALAWI’S DZALANYAMA FORESTS RESERVE IN LILONGWE

About this Project

Dzalanyama Kapombeza Beekeeping Cooperative, a member of Maluso Cooperative Union, seeks to upscale its commercial beekeeping program with an investment of $5,002.85. The cooperative, currently managing 100 beehives and producing 2,000 kg of honey per season, plans to increase the number of beehives to 180, thereby boosting productivity. Additionally, the cooperative, which currently lacks essential honey production and processing equipment such as bee suits, smokers, and gumboots, will use the funds to acquire these materials. Once completed, this project will significantly improve the livelihoods of 25 local families who currently depend on charcoal burning for survival. The initiative also aims to conserve the Dzalanyama Forest by offering surrounding villagers a sustainable alternative source of income.

Kapombeza Honey Cooperative has made significant progress with support from Mudzi Connect, utilizing 60% of the project funds to install 70 beehives, of which 48 have been successfully colonized. The first phase of implementation is complete, including the procurement of gumboots, grease, and wires. The remaining activities involve acquiring essential beekeeping gear such as bee suits, gloves, honey reflectometers, bee smokers, knives, and protective clothing. Once fully implemented, the project aims to improve the livelihoods of communities around Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, contribute to climate change mitigation, and help protect the forest from illegal charcoal production and deforestation.

With an investment of $5,002.86 from Mudzi Connect, Kapombedza Honey Cooperative, led by Thex Kamtengo and supported by Field Partner Tom Nedie, expanded its beekeeping operations in Kapombedza, Lilongwe District. The project increased hive capacity from 100 to 180 by procuring and installing 80 new beehives and equipment, enhancing sustainable livelihoods and supporting Dzalanyama Forest Reserve conservation. It directly engaged 138 members (89 women, 49 men), harvesting 2,800 kg of honey from 149 active hives during the 2024/2025 season, generating MWK 21 million. Each member received dividends of MWK 120,000, up from MWK 75,000, enabling them to purchase food, fertilizer, livestock, and school supplies, thereby improving household welfare. Despite slight yield shortfalls due to hive migration and vandalism, corrective maintenance and security measures were implemented, leading to improved hive colonization. The project strengthened economic resilience and promoted sustainable natural resource management in Kapombedza.