This project will empower an additional 60 women farmers in Nkwanta South to earn a sustainable income through beekeeping, transforming their lives and strengthening their communities. Women will gain financial independence, improve their families’ well-being, and become active drivers of local economic growth.

Local Solution

Building on the success of a previous initiative that benefited 25 women, the Vulnerable Aid Organization (VAO) is expanding its efforts to promote women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated, high-income activities. Our goal is to reduce poverty and promote gender equality in agriculture by equipping rural women with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to establish sustainable, profitable beekeeping enterprises.

Despite Ghana’s overall development progress, rural women still face significant inequalities that hinder their economic and social advancement. According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) 2021 report, nearly 43% of the population in Nkwanta South lives below the poverty line, earning less than USD 0.70 a day. Many women rely on low-value crops like cassava and maize and lack the skills or resources to diversify their sources of income. Beekeeping offers a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and high-yield activity that requires minimal land and labor, making it accessible for women facing land restrictions and gender-based barriers.

Over the course of 4 months, participants from Fankyenekor, Abrubruwa, Laboano and Brewaniase will receive training in hive management, honey harvesting, processing, marketing, and basic business skills. This will enable women to start and expand profitable honey businesses. Support includes beekeeping kits, protective gear, and access to microloans to purchase equipment and grow their enterprises.

VAO brings extensive expertise in rural development and women’s empowerment in Ghana. Our team understands local challenges and has a successful track record of implementing sustainable income-generating projects. We are committed to ensuring women not only acquire new skills but also have ongoing resources and support for long-term success.

Lives Improved

Within one year, at least 60 women will generate a new income stream from honey sales, increasing household earnings by up to 68%. This enhancement will enable 240 family members to access healthcare, education, and improved nutrition. Long-term, these women will operate thriving beekeeping businesses, gaining economic independence and shifting community perceptions around women’s entrepreneurship.

We envision a community where women are recognized as vital economic contributors, with diversified livelihoods and improved resilience. When families experience increased income, food security, and women’s active participation, we will consider the project a resounding success.

Community Impact

The pollination benefits of beekeeping will boost local crop yields, supporting food security and biodiversity. Over time, the expansion of beekeeping activities will create new jobs, positively impacting the broader community. We aim to measure long-term indicators such as increased household incomes and women’s empowerment which are key markers of sustainable development. Success will be evident when more women independently manage profitable beekeeping businesses and community attitudes increasingly support gender equality in economic roles.

This initiative primarily contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) by increasing household incomes and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by enhancing food security and biodiversity.

Budget

The budget for the following activities is GHC 180,502(or €14,801). Funds will be allocated for:

• beekeeping equipment, including two beehives per participant, beekeeping suits, protective hats, bee smokers, honey storage containers, gumboots, and gloves
• A start-up loan scheme to support 60 participants in establishing their businesses, with repayments and interest forming a revolving fund
• Training fee and associated cost
• Administrative expenses, and monitoring and evaluation
• 5% to iMPACT direct for facilitating direct donations to local solutions (which helps to cover costs of the website, promotion and proposal writing, costs of financial services, and the support to NGOs).

Own Contribution: VAO will continue supporting new beekeepers with mentoring and market access, ensuring sustainability and scaling of the project.

Testimonial

“Before joining the beekeeping training, I had no idea that beekeeping could be a source of income. I was struggling to support my family, and opportunities in my community were limited, especially for women. After completing the training, I received support and started producing honey after 8 months. Today, I sell honey, and the income I earn helps me pay for my children’s school fees and household needs. The Beekeeping project has truly changed my life, it has given me skills, confidence, and a reliable source of income. I’m very grateful to the organizers of this project for empowering women like me.” Gaku Sarah