Background

81% of Madagascar’s population lives on less than $2.15 per day (World Bank 2023). This economic standing leads to pervasive health, educational, and environmental problems. Seeking to address these issues at the core, one of SEED Madagascar’s (SEED) goals is to increase sustainable livelihoods.

Economic struggles in the southeast Anosy region are mainly due to limited sustainable livelihood opportunities. SEED is filling this need through the Renitantely project, which introduces and educates locals on the twofold economic and environmental potentials of beekeeping. The economic impact being the development of sustainable livelihoods, and the environmental impact being the husbandry of insects vital to cultivating and maintaining Madagascar's rich flora and fauna populations.

Phase I of the Renitantely project was piloted in 2016 and provided technical training and equipment to 78 locals in six different communities. This led to increase in both the apiary sizes and honey yields. Following this phase, SEED continued to monitor and assist beekeepers with any challenges they encountered, such as developing more efficient hive models and honey extraction methods.

Project Summary and expected impact

Working from the previous phase's success, phase II of the Renitantely project will transform the beekeeping businesses into professional, profitable, and sustainable enterprises. This will involve implementing even more efficient beekeeping techniques, honey quality standards, and stronger routes to market. Beekeepers will receive training in financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills and establish a savings scheme. Ultimately, these trainings and resources will equip the beekeepers with a strong capacity to manage their businesses and provide them with financial resilience.

A third of the needed funding has been secured and will assist with essential training and capacity building for the beekeepers. Greater impact will however be felt once the goal is met.

£6.51 will purchase forage supplementation for 1 bee keeper

£12.82 will be sufficient to Market beekeepers’ products for a whole year

£19.57 will purchase swarm attractant for 9 months

£43.48 will purchase pest control that can be used for 2 months

168.48 will be sufficient to conduct 5 capacity building forums for bee keepers

Your support will provide that extra impact for the beekeepers’ livelihoods.