projects Archives - Bees Abroad

The unstoppable women beekeepers in Nigeria

November 20, 2023

Gender equality in Nigeria

Nigeria’s progress on gender equality is a mixed bag, in some areas Nigeria is a top performer, such as legal frameworks that promote, enforce and monitor gender equality. However, overall Nigeria has a low ranking in gender equality placing 139 out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index.

What does this mean for the reality of being a woman in Nigeria? Though there are success stories such as the recent election of Bolanle Ajayi as the deputy speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, finding quality work to make a sustainable living is more of a challenge for women.

Self-organizing for Success

Amidst these challenges, the Ori-eru (Iwo) progressive beekeepers have emerged as a beacon of hope. This group of Muslim women, facing the difficulties of securing employment, decided to take matters into their own hands. United by a mission of self-reliance and mutual support, they embraced beekeeping as a means to empower themselves economically.

Diversifying Skills and Building Resilience
The group, with diverse skills ranging from farming to tailoring, identified beekeeping as a valuable addition. A former Bees Abroad trainee sensitised the group to beekeeping. The Ori-eru beekeepers have not only sustained their enterprise but expanded it significantly from an initial 5 hives to 43 hives.

Entrepreneurial Collaboration
A key aspect of their success lies in a collaborative approach to production and sales. While each member tends to a specific number of hives, the women work together to produce high-quality bee products under a single label. The profits are then reinvested or distributed among the group, fostering sustainable growth.

Burned hives, fire in the belly

In 2023, tragedy struck when their apiary was raided and hives destroyed by fire, reflecting the broader economic challenges in Nigeria. Undeterred, the Ori-eru beekeepers responded with determination.

They recognised the need to solve this problem quickly; essentially to replace hives in time to attract local swarms to restock hives. If they could rebuild and relocate their apiary by the start of the local swarming season, they stood a good chance of harvesting sufficient honey to recover lost income.

The group took this setback in their stride… They salvaged what they could and set to work devising a solution. However, their assessment was they only had sufficient reserves to replace 10 hives – an insufficient number to generate an adequate level of income for the group. They reached out to Bees Abroad, presenting a video outlining their situation and needs.

Innovative Solutions and Rapid Recovery

Bees Abroad swiftly responded by funding 25 replacement hives. The Ori-eru beekeepers, showcasing resilience and innovation, built and sited these hives in record time. The new location is secluded and un-disclosed. For good measure the group also reinforced the hives with chains and padlocks. As of November 7th, 8 out of the 25 Bees Abroad sponsored hives are colonised.

This is a significant high rate of colonisation, which reflect the fact that the group made a great choice in beekeeping as an activity for income generation. In their area, bees are like flies! The group continue to monitor, clean, re-bait and invite bees to occupy empty hives.

This Beekeeper Can

If you want to support Girl Power and beekeeping groups like the Ori-eru progressive beekeeper’s we have a great opportunity…

From the 28th November for one week all donations will be doubled – one donation, double the impact. 

We can’t do what we do without your support, so thank you!  

This story is part of a series of stories we will be sharing over the next weesk as we celebrate the campaign ‘This Beekeeper Can’. Stay tuned to hear more stories, join our events or enter our prize draw. 

Accessible beekeeping in Sierra Leone

November 15, 2023

A two-part story

Part one of this blog covered a brief history of the war in Sierra Leone, the challenges faced by those living with amputations as a result of the war and how survivors have taken up football, farming and beekeeping.

In this blog, part two, we go into a bit more detail about the challenges, possible solutions and aims of accessible beekeeping in Sierra Leone.

Adapted hives and harvesting

Part of this project is working out what accessible beekeeping means in Sierra Leone. During the workshop Bees Abroad want to help work out what participants feel safe and comfortable doing. The workshop includes hive visits and practical experience, which will help answer questions such as what is the right height for a hive for someone with an amputation, do beekeepers with amputees need to be partnered, can it be done seated?

Harvesting from the hive is one small part of the whole process. Harvest is only once a year, but inspections need to be done on a regular basis. Lack of mobility during inspections could be an issue, will people who aren’t as mobile need thicker bee suits?

Beekeeping in the bush, on crutches

Another complication factor is the location of the hives. The hives are in the bush, the forest, which makes things more difficult in terms of accessibility for people using crutches. The area around the hives needs to be cleared once month to keep the hive pest free (no one wants termites eating the hives!). We will work with participants to figure out what the best approaches are to these challenges.

As mentioned in the previous blog, one of the aims of the workshop is to develop an accessible beekeeping manual for amputees but lived experience is better than any manual. The aim is that those who become dedicated beekeepers can become trainers for other people with amputations.

Wax kits as a solution lack of intermediate income

Beekeeping is a long game, it takes two to three years for a hive to produce a viable honey harvest, a huge time investment and act of faith for farmers who mostly make a subsistence living. Part of this project is exploring stop-gap options, specifically a wax kit to bridge income. The wax kits will include three types of value-added wax products: neem (mosquito repellent), lip balm, body cream.

A local value chain for value-added wax products

It’s not just honey that has a long lag time, wax takes a long time to accumulate too. Fortunately, another Bees Abroad project in Sierra Leone is producing three quarters of a tonne of honey a year, and a significant volume of wax. This wax can be transferred to newer projects to help them get off the ground.

There’s also an opportunity in this project to explore the sustainable, local production of essential oils. At the moment the oils need to make the creams have to be brought from the UK, which is one of the biggest challenges for the viability of the wax kits. Sierra Leone is home to the Gola Rainforest, the largest remanent of the Upper Guinean Tropical Rainforest, so there is potential to make oils from plants in the forest.

This Beekeeper Can

If you want to support beekeeping groups like the beekeepers on crutches, we have a great opportunity…

From the 28^thNovember – 5^th December all donations will be doubled – one donation, double the impact.

We can’t do what we do without your support, so thank you!

This story is part of a series of stories we will be sharing over the next month as we celebrate the campaign ‘This Beekeeper Can’. Stay tuned to hear more stories, join our events or enter our prize draw.

Sierra Leone: beekeepers on crutches

November 8, 2023

The long recovery from the civil war

Sierra Leone’s recovery from the civil war is an international success story. Once a country at the top of the UN Security Council’s concern, Sierra Leone is soon to be an acting member of the council, having been elected in earlier this year.

However, the civil war cast a long shadow and the country still faces the huge challenges that come with sitting near the bottom of the global league tables for multi-dimensional poverty.

Amputation in the civil war

The civil war in Sierra Leone lasted for over 10 years between 1991 and 2002 and left an estimated 27,000 people with an amputation or disability. Mutilation through limb amputation was a common tactic used by the rebel forces to control communities through fear. Many of the survivors living with amputations were children during the civil war.

In Sierra Leone, as in many countries around the world, having a disability brings with it stigmatisation and marginalisation, as well as physical challenges. Amputees in Sierra Leone face additional social exclusion because they are a stark reminder of the violence of the civil war.

Footballers on crutches

Those of you who follow our work closely may recall us speaking about the Sierra Leonian beekeepers on crutches, but the origin story has its roots in football. The story goes that a pastor named Mambud Samhai who teaches permaculture saw a group of people playing football on the beach, on closer inspection he was surprised to see many of the players were amputees using crutches, which didn’t seem to affect their ability on the pitch. If having an amputation doesn’t stop you playing football, why should it stop you being a successful farmer? Mambud decided to offer a permaculture farming course to people living with amputations.

Having an amputation or a disability in Sierra Leone is a catch-22, they are discriminated against making it difficult to get a job then are stigmatised for not contributing to society. Having a way to earn a livelihood not only improves amputees’ quality of life but their standing in society.

Beekeepers on crutches

Beekeeping is a fantastic complementary activity to farming, it doesn’t take up much land, it’s not as time intensive as other types of farming and it offers a different source of revenue through products that are high value such as honey and wax-based products. Bees Abroad was asked to provide support to the permaculture course to add beekeeping to the curriculum.

This November, Bees Abroad will be running a workshop in Sierra Leone with 12 participants from the permaculture course. The aim of the workshop is to develop a training course accessible to beekeepers living with amputations. If successful, the course will be made available in the three permaculture course farms that serve three major towns and cities across Sierra Leone.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog where we go into more detail on challenges, possible solutions and aims of accessible beekeeping in Sierra Leone.

This Beekeeper Can

If you want to support beekeeping groups like the beekeepers on crutches, we have a great opportunity…

From the 28^thNovember – 5^th December all donations will be doubled – one donation, double the impact.

We can’t do what we do without your support, so thank you!

Dr. Sakina’s Journey: From Childhood Arm Amputation to Beekeeping Leader

November 4, 2023

Disability in Nigeria

Dr Sakina is a remarkable woman with a remarkable story to tell. This is a story not just about personal achievements in the face of adversity but of also of building a supportive community for people who are otherwise marginalised.

In Nigeria, having any kind of disability can mean the odds are seriously stacked against you, culturally (‘take your bad luck and go’), economically (‘you can’t contribute anything’) and spiritually (beliefs that God does not give you more than you can bear). Dr Sakina lost her left arm when she was a child and was faced with overcoming all the cultural stereotypes that threatened to impact her future.

Dr Sakina’s journey from academic to beekeeping leader

Dr Sakina determinedly pursued her academic interests, leading her to complete a post graduate master’s degree, then a PhD in medicinal insects. From her studies she developed an interest in beekeeping and started looking for local beekeepers to learn more about bees. What she learnt captivated Sakina and she became a beekeeper herself, starting with traditional beekeeping from local beekeepers. Sakina’s thirst for knowledge left her wanting to learn more, she jumped at the chance to learn about modern beekeeping with Bees Abroad.

Dr Sakina saw a need to help other women who shared her struggles with disability and the stigma of being divorced. In Nigeria, and many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, being divorced or widowed brings stigma that compounds the challenge of going from a dual-income family to a single-income family. Family relationships and support networks can also be seriously negatively impacted.

Women Agricultural Development Forum and Bees Abroad joining forces

Driven by her desire to help others who face similar challenges, Dr Sakina founded Women Agricultural Development Forum (WADF) in 2018. Bees Abroad started working with WADF in April 2020. Initially, 24 beekeepers were trained, with another 40 trained in 2021.

Unlike Dr Sakina who’s an accomplished academic, many of the women in WADF are illiterate. For these women, who are already marginalised, and with little formal education, earning a living is an extremely hard task. The WADF has been a lifeline and beekeeping is the only source of income for many members of the group.

What’s next for Dr Sakina

Dr Sakina has leveraged the relationship with Bees Abroad to grow her NGO to reach more and more women and she has ambitions to grow it further. Lots of women approach the group and ask for support and training. The demand for beekeeping knowledge is growing. Dr Sakina wants to package more honey (suitable containers can be hard to come by) and make other products such as bees wax based creams.

She herself has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge on beekeeping, she aims to deepen her knowledge alongside her studies on pests and diseases that affect bees. This Bees Abroad project is in its final year, but there’s always more that can be done. Dr Sakina’s story is the perfect proof that ‘This Beekeeper Can’.

This Beekeeper Can

If you want to support beekeepers and groups like Dr Sakina and WADF we have a great opportunity for you! From the 28th November – 5th December all donations will be doubled – one donation, double the impact. We can’t do what we do without your support, so thank you!

Mrs Adams: A Beekeeping Matriarch

September 17, 2023

In our previous blog, we had the privilege of introducing you to the incredible journey of Mrs. Adams, the grandmother of beekeeping in her Nigerian community. Today, we’re excited to share more about her beekeeping journey and how she earned a reputation that saw demand for her quality honey grow quickly and organically.

Mrs Adams honey stall – nearly sold out!

A Honey Stall with Heart

Right after completing the beekeeping training provided by Bees Abroad in 2006, Mrs. Adams wasted no time in putting her newfound knowledge to good use. She established her very own honey stall, a humble yet effective setup that serves as both a point of sale and a powerful advertisement for her honey. While her stall may not be grand or elaborate, it has proven to be the perfect platform for showcasing her honey. Even today, many years later, Mrs. Adams continues to use this trusty stall to connect with her customers.

A stellar reputation and ambitious plans

Thanks to Bees Abroad’s training on quality harvesting techniques, Mrs. Adams and her family have not only become skilled beekeepers but also producers of high-quality honey. The word quickly spread, and their reputation soared. With a loyal customer base that they’ve cultivated over the years, they are in the enviable position of demand for their honey being five times the volume they produce. Their customers know and trust them, making it unnecessary to invest in costly social media or specialized marketing efforts.

Mrs. Adams and her family have ambitious plans to take their beekeeping enterprise to new heights. To achieve this, they are looking for support in two crucial areas: the manufacture of beekeeping inputs such as bee suits, smokers, and brushes, and value-added training. These elements will not only enable them to expand their honey production but also open doors to tourism visits to their apiary.

Mrs Adams (right hand side) with Bees Abroad’s Bisi (middle) back in 2006

Change that lasts a lifetime

Mrs. Adams’ remarkable journey from a shy observer at the back of a training hall to the matriarch of a thriving beekeeping family is a testament to the enduring impact of education, support, and a simple act of kindness. She was trained by Bees Abroad 18 years ago, a span of time that some might call a lifetime. Mrs. Adams, the grandmother of beekeeping, has left a lasting legacy. Her story reminds us of the profound impact that even the smallest acts of generosity can have in transforming lives and communities.

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Bees Abroad can only work with individuals like Mrs Adams with the help of our supporters. Will you “Bee Part of The Story”?

This blog is part of Remember a Charity campaign week. Through the Remember a Charity campaign week, we will celebrate the impact made by our small but mighty initiatives and those who have supported us.

We’re spreading the small but mighty message. You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave a legacy through your Will. Help us spread the buzz about legacy giving and show the word that we can all be ‘Willantropists’ – creating a legacy that truly matters, no matter the size.

Mrs. Adams: The Grandmother of Beekeeping

September 14, 2023

In the world of beekeeping, there are stories that stand out as shining examples of the transformative power of knowledge and support. One such story is that of Mrs. Adams, a woman with a remarkable and notable journey into beekeeping . Let’s delve into her story and discover how she became the grandmother of beekeeping in her community.

Photo: Mrs Adams at Bees Abroad training back in 2006

Quiet strength

In 2006 Bees Abroad volunteer and trustee Bisi New delivered beekeeping training to a community farming group in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State in South West Nigeria. Ogun State is also the location of Okun Owa school, featured in our last blog.

Among the participants at the beekeeping training was Mrs. Adams, a woman who, at the time, was quite shy and often found at the back of the training hall. During practical demonstrations, she preferred to observe from a distance. However, her attendance was unwavering, and she paid meticulous attention, absorbing knowledge and information with a keen and curious mind. She was determined to learn the art of beekeeping.

A small gift, a lasting impact

Mrs. Adams, like many aspiring beekeepers, needed more than just knowledge; she needed support and basic resources to put her newfound skills into practice. After the training Bisi took it upon herself to provide Mrs. Adams with a personal gift – Bisi’s own bee suit. With this gift, Mrs. Adams had the means to start her beekeeping journey immediately.

Mrs. Adams cherished the bee suit gifted to her. In fact, she held onto it for many years, until it no longer fitted her. At that point, she passed the suit on to her son. Her son, too, became involved in beekeeping, using the same bee suit to manage the family apiary alongside his siblings. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of a simple but thoughtful gift.

Mrs Adams journey

As time passed, Mrs. Adams aged, and her ability to actively manage practical beekeeping diminished. However, her mind remained sharp and filled with beekeeping wisdom. She assumed the role of a matriarch, guiding her children in their beekeeping endeavours. She handled logistics, offered advice, and played a crucial part in sustaining the family’s beekeeping business. She has built up her family beekeeping business though she still uses the same ‘for sale’ sign she made after her initial training.

Today, Mrs. Adams is a true beekeeping matriarch, passing on her knowledge through the generations. Beekeeping, in this instance, has become an inter-generational tool for economic stability and sustainability. Her entire family is involved in the bee business with innovations such as taking people to meet the bees i.e., exo tourism introduced over time by the younger generation. Each beekeeper in the family has their own customer list and specialism. Mrs Adams’s stall continues to cater very small quantities for individuals like widows who seek out a quality product.

Change that lasts a lifetime

Mrs. Adams’ remarkable journey from a shy observer at the back of a training hall to the matriarch of a thriving beekeeping family is a testament to the enduring impact of knowledge, support, and a simple act of kindness. She was trained by Bees Abroad 18 years ago, a span of time that some might call a lifetime.

Mrs. Adams, the grandmother of beekeeping, has left a lasting legacy all thanks to the gift of knowledge and a bee suit that started it all. Her own endeavour and support from her local beekeeping group have sustained and extended her success. Her story reminds us of the profound impact that even the smallest acts can have in transforming lives and communities.

Watch the video above to meet Mrs Adams and her family of beekeepers

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Bees Abroad can only work with individuals like Mrs Adams with the help of our supporters. Will you “Bee Part of The Story”?

Budding beekeepers: Okun Owa school’s legacy

September 10, 2023

In the last blog about Okun Owa school we learned about the many benefits that beekeeping has brought to the school including increased crop yields and a new water tank bought with the income generated from the hives. However, the story doesn’t end there. Like the hum of a bee colony, the impact of this project continues to resonate and spread, creating ripples of positive change that go far beyond the original vision.

Paul Lawrence: A Budding Beekeeper

Paul Lawrence, a student who initially embarked on his beekeeping journey at Okun Owa primary school, serves as a perfect example of how Bees Abroad beekeeping projects often set something in motion. Paul’s interest in beekeeping was more than just enjoying a fun activity in school; he was bitten by the beekeeping bug and decided to take it to the next level.

Starting with three hives, Paul ventured into creating his own apiary. Paul soon found he wanted to expand his new apiary further but struggled to find a carpenter to build the much-needed new hives. Determined not to let this get in the way Paul took matters into his own hands – quite literally. He decided to build his own hives, and now, he proudly tends to five hives, cultivating a thriving apiary of his own.

Beekeeping's Influence Beyond School

Paul isn’t the only student who has embraced beekeeping as a path to success. The school beekeeping club is still going, with beekeeping added to the school curriculum and many students taking the skill with them after graduation. The school reports that several pupils from the senior school, who have since left, continue beekeeping independently. These young beekeepers are not only gaining valuable skills but also generating income for themselves and their families. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of beekeeping education at Okun Owa School.

But the influence of Bees Abroad’s project doesn’t stop at the school gates. The ripples have spilled into the wider community surrounding the school; Okun Owa has had enquiries from other agricultural schools regionally about setting up their own bee club. Even individuals in other professions, such as the local motorcycle taxi drivers known as “Okadas,” have expressed a keen interest in beekeeping. They’ve witnessed the success and enthusiasm of beekeeping activities at the school and have been inspired to explore the opportunity for themselves.

A four-year project, a lasting legacy

What this project has accomplished extends beyond honey and hives. The story of Paul Lawrence and the many other students who have embraced beekeeping is a testament to the enduring legacy of Bees Abroad’s work in Okun Owa. It reminds us that the impact of small initiatives can grow into something truly extraordinary, inspiring individuals to follow their passions, overcome obstacles, and contribute to the greater good of their community.

As the hum of bees continues to resonate through Okun Owa School and its surroundings, it serves as a reminder that the best stories are the ones that don’t have an ending.

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Bees Abroad can only work with communities like Okun Owa school with the help of our supporters. Will you “Bee Part of The Story”?

Beekeeping for a Brighter Future: Okun Owa School’s Story

September 7, 2023

A Glimpse into Okun Owa School

In the heart of Southwest Nigeria lies Ogun State, known as the “Gateway to Nigeria.” Named after the majestic Ogun River that runs across it, this region is home to Okun Owa School. Okun Owa School has a story to share about their journey into the world of beekeeping, a journey that’s enabling the school to achieve its aims and creating ripple effects beyond the boundaries of the school.

Nestled in a rural area of Ogun State, Okun Owa is an agricultural school with many of the students coming from local farming families on low incomes. Many in the community suffer from poor nutrition, high mortality rates and inadequate access to healthcare that cast a shadow over this community. In September 2017 Okun Owa School and Bees Abroad started working together to teach both pupils and teachers the art of beekeeping, honey production, and marketing hive products.

A blossoming enterprise

A total of 64 students and 2 teachers were trained in the art of beekeeping. It wasn’t just about bees; it was about building a brighter future. Like bees in a hive, this project buzzed with activity and brought multiple benefits to the school.

Since the introduction of beekeeping, Okun Owa School has seen remarkable changes in their agricultural yields. Crops like mangoes and pineapples have flourished, leading to increased income as the school sells these fruits. But that’s not all. The hives, honey, and value-added beeswax products have created a new revenue stream for the school. Thanks to this newfound income, the school was able to purchase a water storage tank – a vital resource that makes a big difference to the daily lives of students and staff.

Mrs. Osibanjo's Beekeeping Journey

One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from this project is that of Mrs. Osibanjo, the vice principal of the junior school. When she assumed her position, Bees Abroad was already working with the school and her predecessor, Mr. Ajayi. Mrs. Osibanjo was determined to learn all she could about beekeeping, asking Mr. Ajayi countless questions.

Her interest increased after watching how beeswax cream was made and learning about propolis. She even took a honeycomb home to show her family and friends, sparking their interest in the world of bees. Previously sceptical about buying honey from hawkers due to concerns about fake products, Mrs. Osibanjo now confidently purchases honey harvested by the school.

Small but mighty

The story of Okun Owa School serves as a powerful reminder that even small initiatives can lead to significant transformations. Individuals within the school community have embraced beekeeping at home, creating a ripple effect of positive change. In our next blog post about Okun Owa School, we’ll introduce you to Paul Lawrence, a student who began his beekeeping journey at the primary school and is now thriving in the secondary school.

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Bees Abroad can only work with communities like Okun Owa school with the help of our supporters. Will you “Bee Part of The Story”?

We’re spreading the small but mighty message. You don’t have to be a millionaire to leave a legacy through your Will. Help us spread the buzz about legacy giving and show the world that we can all be ‘Willantropists’ – creating a legacy that truly matters, no matter the size.

Buzzing on Coffee: How Beekeeping Increases Crop Yield

August 30, 2023

The fertile mountains of Rwenzori, Uganda

Beekeeping brought more than honey to this rural community. Read on to find out how Rwenzori Rural Talent got more than they bargained for…

The Rwenzori Rural Talent community is nestled within the fertile landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda. As smallholder farmers, the members of this community dedicate their time and efforts to tending their land, making the most of the region’s productive soils. Among the crops that flourish under their care, coffee stands out as a significant agricultural product. The rich soil and favourable climate provide an ideal environment for coffee cultivation.

Recognising the need for diversification and seeking to enhance their economic prospects, the community turned to Bees Abroad for support in introducing beekeeping.

Why beekeeping is uniquely beneficial to farming communities

Bees Abroad has been supporting the Rwenzori Rural Talent project sine 2020 and during the four years of our support, beekeeping has become as a valuable addition to the income-generating activities of the community. Unlike other farming endeavours that demand extensive land and time commitments, beekeeping offers a more manageable and less labour-intensive alternative.

The community approach Bees Abroad for support in achieving their goals which include promoting economic empowerment for rural women and children, empowering local women and youth with beekeeping skills, improving health standards, and establishing innovative models of microeconomic enterprises in rural areas.

Buzzing on coffee

The Rwenzori Rural Talent community has reported some significant benefits from beekeeping. Firstly, the income generated from beekeeping has provided them with the means to invest in education, allowing families to send their children to school without being crippled by the cost. You can read about how beekeeping can help pay for school fees for children in Uganda here.

Secondly, the community has witnessed a remarkable increase in coffee production, boasting an impressive 20% boost in yield since embarking on their beekeeping journey. While this might sound too good to be true, similar reports validate the magnitude of enhanced coffee yields. In fact, a researcher from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has gone so far as to encourage farmers to engage in beekeeping to increase their coffee production.

Beekeeping as a part of community diversification and resilience

Beyond the direct advantages of increased income and coffee yields, the introduction of beekeeping has fostered further diversification within the Rwenzori Rural Talent community. Members have utilised the additional income to venture into other endeavours, such as purchasing chickens, pigs and goats. Members like Eva, who’s bees and goats we reported on in lockdown. By expanding their income and food sources, they have effectively spread risk and increased their overall resilience in the face of potential challenges.

The success of the beekeeping project in Rwenzori Rural Talent serves as an inspiring example of how a small initiative can have transformative effects on rural communities.

Vamba, ‘King of the Bees’

July 21, 2023

Vamba 'King of the Bees': From Honey Hunter to Beekeeper

In the remote Barri Chiefdom of Sierra Leone, nestled on the fringes of the Gola Rainforest, lives a remarkable man known as the ‘King of the Bees’. His real name is Vamba, a honey hunter turned passionate beekeeper. The Barri Chiefdom is on the edge of the Gola rainforest, the largest remnants of Upper Guinean Tropical Rainforest left in Sierra Leone. Covering approximately 1,070 square miles across the border between Sierra Leone and Liberia, Gola Rainforest is a hotspot of biodiversity and endemic species and provides habitat for species like the Western chimpanzee and pygmy hippopotamus.

Honey Hunting: A Risky Tradition

Honey hunting is an ancient practice as evidenced by cave paintings such as those found in Cueva de la Arana near Valencia, Spain, dating back to around 6,000 BC. In Sierra Leone and other countries, the tradition of honey hunting involves climbing tall trees or cutting them down, followed by the use of smoke to drive out the bee colonies. This process carries significant risks, including fires, injuries, and the destruction of bee colonies. The honey harvested from such methods tends to be of poor quality, filled with dead bees and burnt matter.

Image: Drawing of a painting from the caves of Cueva de la Araña. The “Man of Bicorp” holding onto lianas to gather honey from a beehive as depicted on an 8000-year-old cave painting near Valencia, Spain. Credit: Achillea, GPL, via Wikimedia Commons

Redirecting Vamba's Passion for Bees

The Barri Chiefdom reached out to Bees Abroad for support and when the training was delivered Vamba was one of the individuals who enthusiastically attended. From the very beginning, Vamba demonstrated a keen interest in bees and bee farming. He eagerly embraced the techniques of beekeeping, finding it easier, safer, and more reliable than honey hunting. As Vamba honed his skills, he not only established thriving beehives but also became a vocal advocate for the benefits of beekeeping in his community.

Vamba’s transition to beekeeping not only transformed his life but also improved the livelihoods of his family. Supporting his wife, four children, and his own mother, beekeeping provided a stable and sustainable income. With the support of Bees Abroad, Vamba is now a trainer and ambassador for beekeeping; he visits neighbouring villages to share his knowledge and passion.

Protecting trees and pollinators

Vamba’s story is not just a personal success; it has become an important component of protecting the Gola Rainforest and its invaluable pollinators. By shifting from destructive honey hunting to sustainable beekeeping, Vamba and others like him have contributed to safeguarding the ecosystem. Recognizing the importance of bees, the chief of Vamba’s village, who also attended the training, has decreed that anyone harming bees will be held accountable in the village court.

Vamba’s journey from honey hunter to ‘King of the Bees’ stands as a testament to the power of education, passion, and sustainable practices.

Follow along and join in with your own beeswax stories in the comments on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

The unstoppable women beekeepers in Nigeria

Gender equality in Nigeria

Self-organizing for Success

Burned hives, fire in the belly

Innovative Solutions and Rapid Recovery

This Beekeeper Can

Accessible beekeeping in Sierra Leone

A two-part story

Adapted hives and harvesting

Beekeeping in the bush, on crutches

Wax kits as a solution lack of intermediate income

A local value chain for value-added wax products

This Beekeeper Can

Sierra Leone: beekeepers on crutches

The long recovery from the civil war

Amputation in the civil war

Footballers on crutches

Beekeepers on crutches

This Beekeeper Can

Dr. Sakina’s Journey: From Childhood Arm Amputation to Beekeeping Leader

Disability in Nigeria

Dr Sakina’s journey from academic to beekeeping leader

Women Agricultural Development Forum and Bees Abroad joining forces

What’s next for Dr Sakina

This Beekeeper Can

Mrs Adams: A Beekeeping Matriarch

A Honey Stall with Heart

A stellar reputation and ambitious plans

Change that lasts a lifetime

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Mrs. Adams: The Grandmother of Beekeeping

Quiet strength

A small gift, a lasting impact

Mrs Adams journey

Change that lasts a lifetime

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Budding beekeepers: Okun Owa school’s legacy

Paul Lawrence: A Budding Beekeeper

Beekeeping's Influence Beyond School

A four-year project, a lasting legacy

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Beekeeping for a Brighter Future: Okun Owa School’s Story

A Glimpse into Okun Owa School

A blossoming enterprise

Mrs. Osibanjo's Beekeeping Journey

Small but mighty

Will You Bee Part of The Story?

Buzzing on Coffee: How Beekeeping Increases Crop Yield

The fertile mountains of Rwenzori, Uganda

Why beekeeping is uniquely beneficial to farming communities ​

Buzzing on coffee

Beekeeping as a part of community diversification and resilience

Vamba, ‘King of the Bees’

Vamba 'King of the Bees': From Honey Hunter to Beekeeper

Honey Hunting: A Risky Tradition

Redirecting Vamba's Passion for Bees

Protecting trees and pollinators

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Why beekeeping is uniquely beneficial to farming communities

Win a free copy of 'Bee Quest' by Dave Goulson