Bees for Development is an international charity[1][2] working to alleviate poverty through nature based beekeeping.[3] Nature based beekeeping contributes to supporting sustainable livelihoods[4] in marginalised communities; honey bees provide an essential ecosystem service.[5] Bees for Development currently supports projects in Uganda, Ghana, EthiopiaZimbabwe, Peru and Malawi. Its offices are in Monmouth, South Wales.
Founded in 1993, Bees for Development works in partnership with beekeepers and international organisations, such as Apimondia, Keystone Foundation,[6] and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The charity promotes nature-based beekeeping in support of women, young people and persons with disabilities as well as indigenous and local communities, finding ways to enable and empower communities to value nature and conserve and renegerate biodiversity.[7] It focuses on the use of appropriate technology and values, and respects local skills and cultures. It believes that self-reliance and empowerment of marginalised communities can be enhanced through access to knowledge and information, and through access to fair markets.[3] It also advocates using more "traditional" approaches to beekpeeing, by which it means using locally sourced, locally available materials, and culturally relevant approaches to hive construction and maintenance, as opposed to the more common hive donation model in which hives are flown in from international sources and donated.[8]
Bees for Development is a registered charity under English law, originally established in 1993 and transitioned to a CIO in 2022. It is governed by a board of trustees and supported by patrons, led by the president of the charity Her Majesty Queen Camilla annd including popular leaders and personalities such as Monty Don, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Kate Humble and Sting.[9]
Activities
Bark hives in Mozambique are widely and successfully used by beekeepers to produce honey and beeswax
Bees for Development works globally to support sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping, with active programmes in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The organisation focuses on empowering marginalised communities, protecting biodiversity, and building inclusive honey trade systems.
In Ghana, Bees for Development operates a Honey and Beeswax Trade Centre in Donkorkrom, which purchased over 11,902 kg of honeycomb in 2024—a 374% increase since 2022. The Centre supports traceable honey trade and provides training for youth and women, including the launch of Buzz Clubs in schools to promote environmental education and beekeeping skills.[10][11]
In Ethiopia, the charity supports beekeepers in Bahir Dar, the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve and Amhara Regions, where forest degradation and poverty are acute. In 2024, 126 beekeepers were registered onto a traceability system that enables near-live data sharing with honey buyers. The “More Bees” project, funded by the UK Government's [Darwin Initaitive]] trains farmers in Integrated Pest Management to reduce pesticide use and restore beneficial insect populations.[12][13]
In Uganda, Bees for Development continues to strengthen honey trade through partnerships with local organisations. Training and market access initiatives have helped rural beekeepers increase income and improve product quality. The charity also supports women-led enterprises and biodiversity-friendly practices in the region.[14]
In Zimbabwe, the charity partnered with Working for Bees to launch a new women’s beekeeping group and establish a tree nursery. The group now manages an apiary on donated land, contributing to reforestation and income generation.[15]
In Peru, Bees for Development has partnered with Amazon Research internacional to support indigenous women through stingless beekeeping, promoting dignified employment and biodiversity conservation. The “Las Meliponicultoras” initiative empowers local leaders and strengthens agroecological practices.[16]
Bees for Development also disseminates training resources worldwide, manages an online library of beekeeping information, and facilitates knowledge exchange through courses and events.[17]
References
↑ American Bee Journal. October 2011. Pages 981–985.
↑ Bees for Development – supporting sustainable livelihoods. Bee Craft. March 2011. Pages 14–15.
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