20 Years of Impact: Beekeeping and Building Resilience for Women & Nature
As African People & Wildlife celebrates 20 years of community-led conservation, we are sharing key stories from our 20 Years of Roar anniversary impact report. This series reflects on where we have come from and what lies ahead, including the progress we will share from 2025 as our programs continue to evolve. Read the full report and visit our interactive timeline.
Building Resilience for Women & Nature
The Women’s Beekeeping Initiative has evolved from a pilot project into one of APW’s most impactful efforts to promote sustainable enterprises. Initially focused on providing training and tools to establish apiaries, the program has grown into a model of climate-smart livelihoods and conservation. Women now produce honey for local and regional markets, with the program scaling to include leadership and wellbeing training, entrepreneurship, and habitat protection.
This growth reflects years of learning and collaboration. Women have transitioned from participants to leaders, with newly introduced “Queen Bees” mentoring peers and overseeing hive operations. Beekeeping has not only provided a reliable income under the Mama Asali brand but also empowered women to take active roles in their households and communities.
By promoting habitat conservation, fostering environmental stewardship, and securing livelihoods, the initiative demonstrates how empowering women creates a ripple effect of positive change for both people and wildlife.
When we first started, it was just a few of us struggling and learning together. Look at us now, thousands of women with hives stretching across our villages. This program has changed so much. We can now send children to school, take care of our families, and teach other women what we know. Beekeeping is our lifeline, our way of protecting our land and building something real for our children.
Mama Helena Mbarnoti, Mama Asali Beekeeper and Women's Association Chairwoman
Impact Snapshot
- 23,000+ total kilograms of crude honey harvested since 2016
- 2,133 total beehives installed since the program started
- 1,944 Mama Asali beekeepers across 109 women’s groups
- 2 honey processing centers established for women to build their businesses, develop new products, and receive ongoing training
Celebrating 20 Years of Roar
We’re grateful to have you with us during this landmark year. Marking 20 Years of Roar reminds us how much is possible when communities and supporters move forward together. If you’d like to honor this moment, making a gift in recognition of the anniversary helps sustain the work and relationships that make coexistence possible. Thank you for being part of the path ahead.
