In the parched drylands of Nyaminyami district, where unpredictable rainfall and poor harvests are the norm, Princess Kajungwe dared to be different. Women in Nyaminyami constitute over 60% of the agricultural labour force and bear the brunt of human-wildlife conflict as they strive to secure household food and resources in a changing climate.
Princess, a young woman from Ward 4, defied scepticism and stereotypes by venturing into beekeeping, a male-dominated field, to diversify her livelihood options. After receiving training from Wildlife Conservation Action, Princess mounted her hives, and both were colonized. The anticipation of harvesting her first honey was matched only by her excitement about the opportunities that lay ahead.
For Princess, beekeeping is more than just a means of income; it's a way to strengthen resilience against climate change through environmentally friendly practices. As she tended to her hives, she began to see the transformative impact of her journey. Princess, now a group champion for Cluster 2 Nabaleng, advocates for the inclusion of more women and youth in beekeeping as a viable livelihood option and climate-resilient strategy.
Princess's story embodies the spirit of Wildlife Conservation Action's climate-smart livelihood pillar, which focuses on increasing benefits and reducing losses for households and communities sharing their landscapes with wild animals. By recognizing the unique growth potential of women in agriculture and their vulnerability to climate change, Wildlife Conservation Action's beekeeping project aims to create inclusive and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Empowered by a 100% hive colonization rate, Princess envisions expanding her beekeeping operation, harvesting more honey, and creating a sustainable income stream. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives and the impact of supporting first responders to climate change.
As Princess continues to tend to her bees, she inspires others to follow in her footsteps, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, anyone can create a sweeter future, even in the driest of landscapes.
Beekeeping has the potential to contribute significantly to communities living in drought-prone and human-wildlife conflict zones. By deriving benefits from non-timber forest products like honey, communities can reduce their reliance on vulnerable livelihood options. Moreover, bee-based solutions like bee fencing can help deter wildlife from crop destruction, secure fields, and ensure better harvests amidst the challenges of climate change.
As a supplement to traditional livelihoods, honey can provide a vital lifeline during times of drought. By embracing beekeeping, households may transform their lives, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and cultivate a more resilient and sustainable way of life.
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