For Anorld Tsvigu (ALP ‘24), beekeeping is more than just honey production, it is a path toward climate resilience, youth empowerment, and economic sustainability. Through his initiative, Beekeeping for Climate Resilience, Anorld has been working to equip young people and smallholder farmers in Hurungwe District, Zimbabwe with beekeeping skills that promote biodiversity, improve crop yields, and create alternative sources of income. With the support of Aspire Institute, his project has not only taken root but has continued to grow, overcoming challenges and setting its sights on an even greater impact.
A Vision for Change: The Birth of Beekeeping for Climate Resilience
Anorld’s journey began with the realization that climate change is threatening food security in his community, and innovative solutions are urgently needed. Recognizing the critical role of bees in supporting agriculture through pollination, he saw an opportunity to introduce beekeeping as both an environmental and economic solution. Not only could increased bee populations strengthen local biodiversity, but they could also provide a sustainable livelihood for youth.The initiative provides young people with valuable skills in sustainable agriculture, creating opportunities for long-term economic independence. This empowerment Anorld hopes “can help reduce rural-urban migration and build community resilience”.
With funding from Aspire Institute, the project launched in September 2024 with an initial group of twenty young participants eager to learn the foundations of beekeeping. Through a series of workshops, they were trained in hive management, honey production, and the broader principles of sustainable agriculture. The goal was not just to teach a skill but to foster a sense of ownership and entrepreneurship, empowering them to create long-term economic opportunities for themselves.
Since December 2024, the initiative has made significant strides. Anorld and his team have expanded the project’s reach by installing and maintaining ten additional beehives, further strengthening local pollination activity. Already, half of the twenty hives have been colonized by bees, marking a promising start toward increased honey production.
The impact has been tangible. Farmers in Hurungwe District have reported improved crop yields, attributing the change to the enhanced pollination provided by the growing bee population. Interest in beekeeping has surged within the community, with more individuals eager to learn and adopt the practice as a viable livelihood. Beyond the immediate agricultural benefits, the project has sparked broader conversations about climate resilience and conservation, reinforcing the critical role of bees in sustaining local ecosystems.
However, progress has not come without its challenges. Hive invasions by pests threatened the health of some colonies, requiring the team to implement new monitoring strategies and protective barriers to safeguard the bees. Limited access to modern beekeeping equipment also presented an obstacle, making honey production more labor-intensive than anticipated. Additionally, heavy rains disrupted parts of the initiative, delaying some activities and requiring greater flexibility in scheduling.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
With strong momentum behind him, Anorld is already looking to the future. His vision is not just to sustain the current initiative but to expand it to new communities, reaching even more young people who could benefit from beekeeping as a livelihood. Plans are underway to establish additional apiaries across Hurungwe District, creating a broader network of beekeepers who can share knowledge, resources, and market opportunities.
Recognizing the potential for growth beyond honey production, Anorld also aims to introduce value-added bee products such as processed honey, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly, increasing the economic opportunities available to participants. To ensure long-term sustainability, he is in the process of registering Beekeeping for Climate Resilience as a social enterprise, which will allow for greater stability, funding opportunities, and scalability.
At the heart of this initiative is a belief in the power of education and community engagement. Anorld sees beekeeping as more than just a trade—it is a means of fostering environmental responsibility and resilience. By integrating beekeeping into broader climate education and agroecology programs, he hopes to instill a lasting appreciation for conservation efforts and sustainable farming practices.
With every new beekeeper trained, every hive established, and every harvest of honey, Anorld’s vision of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability takes another step forward. His work is a testament to the power of innovative, community-driven solutions and a reminder that true resilience begins at the grassroots level.
