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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

Year: 2024

Country: Malawi

Project Status: Funded

Impact Sector: Economic Opportunity

Project Investment: $5,002.86

Project Launch: 8-29-24

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.

Project Update: 4-2-25

Five months into the project, the Kapombedza Honey Cooperative, located in Dzalanyama area of Lilongwe has made significant progress by procuring and installing 70 beehives, 48 of which have already been colonized. Additionally, the group has purchased beekeeping equipment, including six pairs of gumboots, which are being used during their periodic visits to the apiary. Mitigating the impact of climate change, when completed, the project will help protect Malawi’s Dzalanyama Forest Reserve from illegal charcoal production by providing an alternative income-generating activity for 25 members (5 male and 20 female) of the Kapombedza Beekeeping Club, through dividends from honey sales.