The conversation around agroecology is about more than sustainable farming, it is about transforming lives. At the National Agroecology Conference 2026, Makueni Beewax Heritage from Kathonzweni, Makueni County, supported by ActionAid Kenya, is showcasing how community-led innovation, women’s leadership, and value addition are creating resilient livelihoods while protecting the environment.
Held on 22–23 July 2026 at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies under the theme, “Transforming Agrifood Systems through Agroecology: A One Health Approach for Inclusive, Sustainable, and Resilient Futures,” the conference has brought together farmers, researchers, policymakers, development partners, youth, and private sector actors to explore pathways for advancing agroecology in Kenya.
Among the exhibitors is Makueni Beewax Heritage, a women-led community enterprise demonstrating that beekeeping can deliver far more than honey. With support from ActionAid Kenya, the group’s members underwent value addition training at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), where they acquired practical skills to transform honey and beeswax into high-quality products such as body creams, candles, and lip balms.
Before receiving the KIRDI training, the women had already begun producing beeswax products using locally available knowledge and techniques while selling raw honey and their handmade products within their communities. However, the training proved to be an eye-opener, introducing them to improved product formulation, quality standards, packaging, and processing methods that have significantly enhanced the quality and marketability of their products. Today, they continue to serve local markets while working towards product certification through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), a milestone they hope will enable them to access major retail outlets and expand into new markets.
Comprising 20 women, the enterprise is building sustainable businesses while championing agroecological practices that conserve biodiversity and protect natural ecosystems. By blending traditional beekeeping knowledge with modern processing techniques, the women have significantly increased the value of their products, expanded their market opportunities, and strengthened household incomes.
For Francisca Kivuvo, the training marked a turning point.
“Before the KIRDI training, we were already making a few beeswax products using the knowledge we had and selling them alongside our honey in the local market. The training opened our eyes to better processing techniques, product formulation, quality standards, and packaging. Today, our products are of much higher quality, giving us greater confidence as we work towards KEBS certification. We are hopeful that this will help us access major retail outlets and earn more from every harvest.”
Her fellow member, Jacinta Kamuya, says the new skills have brought greater confidence and economic independence.
“Being part of Makueni Beewax Heritage has changed my life. We have learned that every part of the hive has value. Instead of discarding beeswax, we now turn it into products that customers appreciate. As one of the 20 members, I am proud that we are building a business that benefits our families while protecting our environment.”
Lucy Ntongai, Project Coordinator at ActionAid Kenya, says the success of Makueni Beewax Heritage demonstrates the transformative potential of investing in women’s skills and enterprise development through agroecology.
“The journey of Makueni Beewax Heritage demonstrates that when women have access to the right skills, knowledge, and partnerships, they can transform locally available resources into thriving enterprises. Agroecology is not only improving livelihoods but also creating opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in local economic development.”
The achievements of Makueni Beewax Heritage reflect ActionAid Kenya’s broader commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment through agroecology. Beyond beekeeping, the organization supports women with training in sustainable farming practices that improve food security while creating opportunities to generate income from value-added agricultural products. These initiatives help diversify livelihoods, strengthen household resilience, and contribute to inclusive local economic development.
The initiative is supported by the Australian Government through Australian Aid and ActionAid Australia and implemented in Kenya by ActionAid Kenya in partnership with local organizations in Makueni and Baringo counties.
The story of Makueni Beewax Heritage is a powerful reminder that when women have access to knowledge, practical skills, and strong partnerships, agroecology becomes more than a farming approach, it becomes a pathway to economic empowerment, environmental stewardship, and resilient communities. As the group prepares to enter major retail outlets, its journey demonstrates how investing in women’s skills and value addition can unlock new economic opportunities while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. From every hive emerges not only honey but also hope, opportunity, and a more resilient future for generations to come.
Editorial Team: Ezra Kiriago, Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya. Lucy Ntongai, Project Coordinator at ActionAid Kenya