The project aims to contribute to sustainable natural resources management practices and economic empowerment of rural people particularly, women and youth smallholders? beekeepers to reduce poverty and general health issues in and around the Jokadou National Park (JNP). It will encourage communities and households to venture into natural resources management, which includes the incorporation of beekeeping in the forest protection and management. In addition, the project will enhance inclusion of most vulnerable segment like women and youth of the rural population who are denied access to productive resources for economic and social advancement in the communities.

Hence, the project is intended to address major challenges in the JNP that included but are not limited to (i) destruction of the natural habit for biodiversity protection, (ii) lack of energy access, (iii) unsustainable farming practices, and (iv) lack of alternative livelihood practices.

Specific objectives

? To strengthen the technical knowledge on best practices on production practices of beekeeping, honey harvesting, quality control and value addition of the bee by-products;
? To enhance business development capacities of smallholder beekeepers and other actors along the beekeeping value chain in Jokadou National Park areas;
? To strengthen Smallholder Women & Youth Beekeepers capacities and established as well expanded innovative microeconomic beekeeping enterprise;
? To support to institutionalize structured community resource management system for people to follow by mobilizing the communities to come up with strategies that will be developed in an agreement called ?Community Resource Management Agreement? (CRMA). This is aimed to utilize the local and traditional knowledge that will enhance flexibility and adaptation management based on customized local solutions.

Project Activities

The following are the main planned activities, and where there should be sub activities, as specified in the approved work plan and budget.

1. Capacity Assessment of beekeepers in identified communities;
2. Review and Improve existing modules and guidelines on beekeeping practices;
3. Trainings on modern recommended beekeeping, Climate resilient and environmental management technologies;
4. Technical trainings for MDFT extension staff and lead beekeepers in the best beekeeping practices, climate smart technologies, effective discharge of their roles & responsibilities, etc.;
5. Support beekeeping farmer exchange visits for shared learning within the country;
6. Production plan development;
7. Business Development and mentoring support.