Beekeeper, Abdulai, restores the forest in Bature of Kwahu Afram Plains amid challenges

The Beekeepers Restore the Forest of Kwahu Afram Plains Project, funded by the UK’s Darwin Initiative, is making strides in promoting sustainable livelihoods and restoring biodiversity in the Kwahu Afram Plains.

Launched in April 2023, the project has seen significant progress through activities, including beekeeping and forest fire management workshops, honeycomb purchasing, and raising, distributing, and planting bee-friendly tree seedlings.

In July 2024, the first batch of bee-friendly tree seedlings was distributed to 14 of the 21 participating communities. These efforts aim to create thriving rural communities where women and men earn stable incomes by managing native honey bee populations and restoring forested landscapes.

Tree monitoring activities began on October 1, 2024, in Bature. This initiative tracks the growth and survival of distributed seedlings and ensures the project’s success despite unexpected challenges, such as erratic rainfall and harsh weather conditions.

During a recent interview, Mr. Abdulai Issaka, one of the newly trained beekeepers, shared his inspiring story with our field officers. Despite initial setbacks caused by unpredictable weather, Mr. Issaka took extraordinary steps to ensure the survival of the seedlings.

“We are all excited about the tree-planting aspect of the project,” he said. “However, my colleague beekeepers were demoralised later because of the unexpectedly harsh weather conditions. Specifically, we experienced a late onset of rain and an erratic rainfall pattern in the year.”

When other participants hesitated to transplant their seedlings due to these challenges, Mr. Issaka stepped up. With the help of his wife and children, he transplanted not only his share but also seedlings meant for four other beneficiaries, saving them from dying. Out of the 67 seedlings he planted, only three did not survive.

“My wife and children have been very helpful. They assist me in watering twice a week, mulching, and weeding around the young trees,” he added. “We have great joy in nurturing the trees!”

Mr. Issaka emphasised the long-term benefits of the trees, including providing abundant forage for honey bees, which will improve honey yield and generate additional income from the sale of fruits. “Age is catching up with me quickly, and I believe that my family will benefit from the trees in the future.”

He urged his fellow beekeepers to remain committed to the project. “I will advise my colleagues to appreciate the effort of Bees for Development Ghana staff to take advantage of the tree planting opportunity to restore the forest near them,” he said.

The Beekeepers Restore the Forest of Kwahu Afram Plains Project continues to inspire hope and resilience in the face of climate challenges, highlighting the power of community-driven initiatives in safeguarding biodiversity and enhancing livelihoods.