A community-based beekeeping initiative supporting mothers and caregivers of children with disabilities in Siha District has reached an important milestone, marking steady progress in livelihood development and environmental conservation.
The project began six months ago in Ngatony village, where a Mother-to-Mother Peer Support Group was introduced to beekeeping as an income-generating activity. With training and ongoing mentorship from local beekeeper Mr. Barakaeli, the group started with five small beehives placed on his farm.
The initiative focuses on stingless beekeeping (known in Kiswahili as ufugaji wa nyuki wasio na mwiba). This type of beekeeping uses small, non-aggressive bees that are easier to manage, especially for beginners. It is particularly suitable for caregivers, as it requires less intensive handling while still providing valuable honey and other products.
Over time, the bee colonies have multiplied successfully, demonstrating strong early results. Building on this progress, the project has now transitioned into its next phase. The beehives, already hosting active and well managed colonies, have been relocated to Karansi at the Tumaini Centre farm, where they will be transferred into larger hives to increase production capacity.
A key strength of this milestone is the level of readiness achieved prior to scaling. The colonies have been carefully nurtured under technical supervision and are now stable enough to support expansion, reducing risk and ensuring continuity.
Engagement from parents and caregivers of children at Tumaini Centre has been notably strong. Their participation reflects a growing sense of ownership and commitment, positioning the initiative not only as an income-generating activity but also as a practical learning platform for families.
The project will be managed at Tumaini Centre to ensure close monitoring, structured coordination, and long-term sustainability. This localized management model strengthens accountability while creating a framework that can be replicated in other communities.
In addition to improving household incomes, the initiative contributes to environmental conservation through sustainable beekeeping practices, reinforcing the connection between community resilience and ecosystem health.
As the project continues to grow, there is an open opportunity for partners to support its expansion and replication, increasing its impact among caregivers and communities across the region