Pare community honey production project
Challenge
The Pare community in Taita-Taveta faces deep socio-economic exclusion and limited access to education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship opportunities, worsened by the lack of citizenship recognition. Simultaneously, the nearby biodiversity hotspot of Kitobo forest – on which local communities rely – faces environmental degradation, threatening cultural identity, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Solution
TTHRN is delivering a community-led beekeeping and conservation initiative combining livelihood generation with forest restoration, empowering Pare women and youth. The solution combines conservation with economic empowerment, establishing a cooperative, providing modern equipment, and using environmental education and reforestation to protect Kitobo forest while generating sustainable livelihoods.
Impact
The project will increase income among 60 stateless Pare young people, including women, through honey production. One hundred hives will be installed and a cooperative will be formally established. Strong market linkages and community stewardship will sustain honey production and strengthen cultural and environmental resilience.