When most people think of beekeeping, they don’t associate the trade with helping to prevent the devastating spread of deforestation. But in global biodiversity hotspots like the Tai-Greba-Krahn-Sapo Forest Landscape between Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire, beekeeping has proven to be not just an income generator for farmers, but also an incentive for protecting West Africa’s delicate forests. Bees need the forest’s floral diversity to produce honey. By investing in beekeeping in these areas, farmers have more reasons to protect the forests for themselves and their bees.
This unique outcome from investing in small, West African beekeeping enterprises was discussed along with other ecological and economic benefits the industry can bring to communities at a recent webinar hosted by the U.S. Agence pour le Développement International Commerce en Afrique de l’Ouest & Centre d'investissement. The webinar, “From Farm to Beehive: Why Introducing Farmers to Beekeeping is a Win for Farmers, Agribusinesses & the Environment,» included more than 190 participants. The discussion centered on ways that agribusinesses, non-governmental organizations and beekeeping experts could support West African smallholder farmers to produce honey and beeswax to increase economic resilience and highlighted the successes of ongoing beekeeping projects in the region.
“We heard all the ‘buzz’ about the positive impact of beekeeping on the environment and the endless possibilities in the economic growth space for all stakeholders, and more importantly, for the backbone of this particular supply chain—the respected and hardworking farmers in the field,” said Bettina Boateng, the Senior Regional Communications Manager for USAID/West Africa, during the webinar’s closing remarks.
The USAID-funded West Africa Biodiversity and Low Emissions Development project (WABiLED), and the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), a USAID partner, were co-hosts for the Feb. 24, 2022, webinaires.