Life can be sweeter with the benificial addition of beehives

Laikipia in Kenya has vast plains, where the “Big Five” animals roam freely, breathtaking scenery – and droughts and poverty.

And it’s here that one of the world’s smallest but arguably most important creatures is helping to improve the lives of some of the poorest families.

UK- based Bees Abroad brings beekeeping skills to families for whom opportunities to earn money are scarce.

As a result, they have launched small businesses selling honey and beeswax goods, boosting their income so they can take control of their lives and support their children’s education.

Meanwhile, the bees do another important job, pollinating crops and improving their quantity and quality.

The UK- based charity’s beekeepers and volunteers work with local partners to provide essential equipment and training to 40 projects in 12 countries.

In Laikipia County, where almost half the population lives in poverty, Bees Abroad has reached more than 1,400 participants – including Mary, pictured – and their families, transforming lives.

In Laikipia, the project has boosted most family incomes by 25 per cent and as much as 50 per cent for the most vulnerable households. Because the charity encourages inclusivity, work that is normally male- dominated is now also undertaken by women, while children are learning from their elders.

“We are keen to involve our children in beekeeping,” says Ida, a member of the Laikipia team. “In the past, with log hives, fathers would bring their sons; the father would climb the tree and the sons would stand beneath, catching the comb as it was dropped down.

“Now, armed with beesuits, we still go with our children, but our daughters are included. We make our children aware of the need to improve the environment, and the reasons for conservation.

“We have increased our living standards, and have been supported in learning how to sell profitably. This has helped us to pay school fees.”

Bees Abroad relies on donations to continue projects like the one in Laikipia to help such communities continue to be self- sustaining.