Challenges

Sustainable beekeeping is not attainable or easily accessible for beekeepers in Zambia. Traditional beekeeping is destructive to forest areas and soon threatens to be a practice no longer in existence if farmers do not switch to a more sustainable solution. One indigenous tree is used for every beehive which only lasts 2-3 years. Each hive is a massive loss to the forest as there is not enough time to recover from the rate of extraction. The growing demand of Zambian honey creates an additional risk due to hives using traditional bark. The more hives that need to be built using bark the greater the threat to deforestation.  

Solutions

Nature’s Nectar distributes local and long-lasting beehives that do not take from the local forest and bring a motivating income to farmers. This income incentivizes farmers to protect forest areas as a way to produce honey and receive a larger payout. By placing long-lasting beehives in the forest areas, bees can increase and enhance the natural flora and fauna in the area in new ways. Increased pollinator activity increases floral fecundity, enhances flowering patterns and diversifies woodland species creating robust forests.  

The more forest areas that are protected means less of a need for water for other crops and healthier soil and helping to regulate local water flows. This lowers the risk of drought and water scarcity.

 Nature’s Nectar will work to plant Pongamia trees alongside the distribution of beehives in order to preserve water levels through the enhancement of soil function and water storage. Reafforestation of agricultural land with pongamia (or other trees) improves SOM and infiltration. They work with 50% female farmers in a male dominated activity, bringing incomes and a new life skill to rural female farmers.  

Nature’s Nectar incorporates training, offering market opportunities and access to financial services, the innovation will empower beekeepers in both very remote and under-traded areas.