Beekeeping Income Inspires Others to Start Beekeeping in Kwahu Afram Plains

In the heart of the Kwahu Afram Plains, a quiet revolution is taking place—one hive at a time. For Felix Agbalenyo, a young resident of Kofinyina near Donkorkrom, the decision to start beekeeping has not only changed his life but is also inspiring others across the area to follow suit.

Felix, who earns a living managing a pig farm in Bature, never imagined he would one day become a beekeeper. His interest in bees was sparked during regular hangouts under a tree in Donkorkrom, where he often met with friends from Apesika—all of whom had begun earning money from honey.

“I wasn’t into beekeeping because I didn’t know much about it,” Felix recalls. “But listening to my friends talk about the income they were making made me curious. I wanted to know more.”

With encouragement and technical guidance from his peers, Felix decided to give it a try. He contacted a chainsaw operator who agreed to help him prepare 10 Borassus log hives for GH₵500.00, using roofing sheets he already had to seal them. He quickly set up his apiary in Kofinyina—becoming the first person in his community to venture into beekeeping.

Felix Agbalenyo at his apiary at Kofinyina

By the end of 2023, Felix had attracted 6 colonies to his new hives. His excitement grew when he saw other beekeepers transporting buckets of honeycombs to the Honey and Beeswax Trade Centre (HBTC) run by Bees for Development Ghana (BfDG) in Donkorkrom. Learning that honeycomb was selling for GH₵25.00 per kilogram, he geared up for his first harvest.

“I borrowed a bee suit and smoker from another beekeeper and harvested 19.8 kg of honeycombs. That earned me GH₵495.00 in 2024,” Felix shared with pride.

He reinvested this income, along with some personal savings, to construct 20 top bar hives, expanding his apiary to 30 hives and 21 active colonies in just one year.

Turning Challenges Into Growth

Despite the rapid progress, Felix’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. After his first harvest, all six of his initial colonies absconded—an unfortunate loss caused by gaps in his beekeeping knowledge.

“If I had received technical support earlier, I wouldn’t have lost my colonies,” he admits. “The recent extension visit from BfDG helped me a lot. I now understand how to manage pests and prevent absconding.”

He strongly recommends that extension services continue in the area, noting that practical, hands-on training is essential to helping local beekeepers succeed. However, he also warned of potential risks:

“My only fear is that fake agents might impersonate BfDG staff. In the absence of the beekeeper, they could steal honey. We need a way to verify genuine field officers.”

Felix Agbalenyo is working on his beehive at Kofiyina

A New Wave of Beekeepers in Afram Plains

Felix’s story is a testament to how income from beekeeping is motivating other youth and community members to consider the practice. With relatively low maintenance, minimal startup costs, and strong market demand, beekeeping is quickly becoming an attractive livelihood option in the Kwahu Afram Plains.

Thanks to support from the Darwin Initiative, Bees for Development Ghana was able to complete the Honey and Beeswax Trade Centre in Donkorkrom as part of the Beekeepers Restore the Forest of Afram Plains project. The centre has become a trusted hub for honey marketing and technical services—providing hope and opportunity for many like Felix.

Felix with a honeycomb

Bees for Development Ghana remains committed to supporting sustainable livelihoods through nature-based solutions. As stories like Felix’s continue to spread, it’s clear that beekeeping is more than just an income source—it’s a path to empowerment, community growth, and environmental restoration.

Do you want to learn more or start beekeeping in your community? Contact us today and be part of the movement transforming lives across the Afram Plains.