JOB CREATION
FIGHTING FIRE WITH BEES
NORTH WEST REGION, CAMEROON
By engaging with local agriculture or purchasing directly from producers as you travel, you strengthen rural economies and could also be protecting the land. In western Cameroon, beekeepers sell honey and beeswax goods. This valuable trade supports beekeeping, which needs healthy forests for bees.
What's
changing
The number of active wildfires in Africa’s Congo Basin doubled between 2003 and 2021, fuelled by deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices. To combat the increasing threat, organizations in Africa are finding creative ways to protect biodiversity while providing economic opportunities for local communities.
What's already
possible
In western Cameroon, fire and unsustainable agricultural practices were diminishing the biodiversity of the Kilum-Ijim Forest. The introduction of beekeeping is turning the tide as it becomes a valuable source of income from sales of honey and beeswax products. The success of beekeeping depends on the health of the surrounding forests that are home to the beehives.
Seizing
the opportunity
Since 2007, Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW) has leveraged apiculture to empower local communities economically while safeguarding nearby forests. The initiative provides rural residents with beehives and trains them in sustainable beekeeping. Because hives are kept in forested areas, beekeepers are motivated to prevent wildfires and foster a biodiverse, bee-friendly environment. As the number of hives has expanded, CAMGEW has organized farmers into cooperatives and established markets to sell their goods locally and internationally. A commitment to gender equality is integral to the program; women aspiring to beekeeping receive two hives each to ensure equitable opportunities with men. The organization also has programs that focus on economic empowerment of women, education about fire prevention, agroforestry and youth support programs.
Standout
tactic
Building healthy forests is a requirement for raising healthy bee colonies. CAMGEW has planted more than half a million bee-friendly trees and set up nurseries for future planting. Students tend some of the nursery crops and learn about sustainable agriculture and forest management.
How
it helps
The organization tracks its progress by comparing satellite imagery from different time periods and can see the forest rebounding. Between 2012 and 2022, CAMGEW planted more than 100,000 native trees in the Kilum-Ijim Forest. More than 1,700 women and youth have learned about the business lifecycle of the honey trade. The forest did not have fires in 2018 and 2019.
Diving
deeper
How can organizations with diverse ranges of programs demonstrate clear, measurable impacts and not become overwhelming to manage or maintain?
Increasing
impact
Programs like this could establish a program with ambassadors or mentors who can help other forest areas facing similar challenges.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
