Beekeepers Restore the Forest: Our Female Trainers Shine on RAP FM’s Beekeeping Radio Series

The Beekeepers Restore the Forest of Afram Plains (BRF) Project, funded by the Darwin Initiative of the United Kingdom, has taken a significant step forward in empowering communities through sustainable beekeeping. This three-year initiative, led by Bees for Development Ghana (BfD Ghana), focuses on improving rural livelihoods, restoring biodiversity with bee-friendly trees, and reducing bushfires and charcoal production in the Kwahu Afram Plains.

One key component of this project’s activities to achieve its goal is a weekly radio broadcast on RAP FM, a local station in Atakora, Donkorkrom, Kwahu Afram Plains. Running every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., the show discusses project-related topics in a format accessible to the local population. In November and December 2024, the spotlight was on BfD Ghana’s dynamic female trainers—Florence Sefakor Dekagbey, Rejoice Azameti, and Clara Korkor Mensah—who led a four-week series titled Beekeeping for Beginners.

The series, broadcast in Twi, Ewe, and English, covered essential topics for novice beekeepers, including:

The choice of local languages ensured the message reached diverse listeners across the region, breaking communication barriers and encouraging active participation.

BfD Ghana’s dynamic female trainers—Florence Sefakor Dekagbey, Rejoice Azameti, and Clara Korkor Mensah— in the studios of RAP FM in Donkorkrom

Despite network challenges in many areas, the series sparked widespread interest. Calls and text messages poured in from listeners in Atakora, Kodidi A, Kwamekrom, Kwasi-Kumah, Appiah-bra, Amankwah-krom, Asikafo-Ambantem, Agortime, and Jonas Akura. Notably, even those unable to call due to poor connectivity later shared their enthusiasm with the show’s host, Mr. Kasim Kabore, when they met him in town.

By the end of the series, the impact was tangible. The discussions motivated some listeners to attend a two-day beekeeping training workshop held from December 10–11, 2024, at the Honey and Beeswax Trade Centre in Donkorkrom.

Reflecting on the radio shows by the panel, the series was a proud moment for them, who expressed their joy at sharing their expertise with the larger audience.

“Being on the show was a privilege and an opportunity to spread the good news of nature-based beekeeping, needed to boost the rural economy.”

Florence Sefakor Dekagbey

“Radio is a powerful medium for reaching local communities. It was a privilege to propagate the good news of beekeeping to the Kwahu Afram Plains community through RAP FM. Thanks to the Darwin Initiative for sponsoring the BRF Project.”

Rejoice Azameti

“Growing up, I never heard of a radio programme where beekeeping was discussed in such detail consecutively. This is a great feat. Kudos to Bees for Development Ghana!”

Clara Korkor Mensah

Sustaining the Momentum

The Beekeeping for Beginners series exemplifies how targeted communication strategies can inspire action and drive positive change in rural communities. As the BRF Project continues its mission, it is clear that initiatives like this one are paving the way for sustainable development and environmental restoration in the Kwahu Afram Plains.

For more updates on the BRF Project and its activities, stay tuned to RAP FM every Thursday at 8 p.m.