Honey isn’t just sweet; it is a practical response to climate change. As shifting weather patterns disrupt traditional farming, more communities are turning to beekeeping, a low-cost and sustainable livelihood that supports biodiversity, strengthens incomes, and performs well even under harsh conditions.
For years, Kishushe in Wundanyi has faced increasing climate stress. Erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells have made rain-fed agriculture unreliable, leaving many households struggling to sustain their livelihoods. As crops fail and incomes decline, families have been searching for more resilient and dependable sources of income.
In response, farmers in the area are embracing beekeeping as a climate-resilient alternative. Thirty families in Kishushe have received modern beehives and training in improved apiculture practices. The initiative is funded through the Women Rights Programme, supported by Irish Aid through ActionAid Ireland, and implemented in Kenya by ActionAid Kenya and its local partners across Taita Taveta and Garissa counties. It represents a strategic investment in women-led and community-driven climate resilience.
For many households, beekeeping marks a shift from uncertainty to opportunity. Farmers are now managing modern hives, harvesting honey, and preparing to access emerging markets where their produce can earn fair and reliable prices.
“These beehives will change my life,” says Elizabeth Mkaluma, one of the right holders. She explains that traditional beekeeping methods were often ineffective, with older hives vulnerable to pests such as rodents, which reduced production and discouraged investment.
“We have seen others benefit from beekeeping, and receiving modern hives that we could not afford on our own will change our fortunes,” she says. “Before, I depended entirely on rain-fed agriculture, and every season came with uncertainty. Now, I believe that even when the land is dry, my bees will continue to produce. I expect to regain dignity because I will be able to earn an income throughout the year.”
The transition is also driven by learning from neighbours who have already experienced success with beekeeping, helping to build confidence among new adopters. Wakesho, another right holder, reflects this growing optimism.
“I never imagined I would become a beekeeper,” she says. “I have seen neighbours benefit from beekeeping, and that has encouraged me. With this support, I will approach my hives with confidence. The income I earn from honey will help me support my children, buy food, and meet basic needs without waiting for harvests that may never come.”
For small-scale farmers like Mukulia Kinyavula, beekeeping offers both an upgrade and a second chance after years of struggling with traditional methods.
“Drought used to mean total loss for my family,” he explains. “I have practiced beekeeping before using traditional hives, but it was often challenging, and I could not afford improved hives. This support has boosted my efforts, and I believe modern hives will attract more bees and increase harvests. That consistency will give us a more secure future.”
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Pauline Atieno, Local Programs Coordinator, emphasizes its broader impact:
“The beehive is an innovation that is helping farmers generate income from harvesting and selling honey, as well as for domestic use. This income can be used to buy food and meet household needs. This is not just a livelihood intervention; it is a pathway to resilience for communities in arid and semi-arid areas who are increasingly affected by climate change.”
What was once a community defined by climate vulnerability is steadily transforming into a model of adaptation and innovation. In Kishushe, resilience is no longer abstract, it is being built hive by hive by families determined to secure a stable and dignified future in a changing climate.
Author: Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya