May 09, 2024

Beekeeping for a Better Future: Fuje's Entrepreneurial Journey

Fresh Produce

Ethiopia

In the serene village of Kebwrta, nestled in the lush landscapes of Ethiopia, Fuje Bekele, a 32-year-old local, envisioned a thriving future for his family beyond the constraints of traditional agriculture. Farming, a family heritage, was a stable but modest livelihood. However, Fuje saw potential in an often-overlooked aspect of rural life: beekeeping.

While honey production seemed a viable route to prosperity, the traditional methods in use were stifling. Fuje was determined not just to scrape by but to excel and transform beekeeping into a source of sustainable income and community development. Yet, his ambition was thwarted by the traditional beehives placed high upon the trees, complicating harvests, and capping his potential yield.

Facing Challenges and Finding Hope

Fuje faced a myriad of challenges. The traditional beekeeping methods of his village, which relied on poorly constructed hives, were not only inefficient but also labour-intensive, given their precarious placement high in the canopy. The lack of modern techniques and support in his remote village further marginalized his efforts, leaving his dream teetering on the brink of feasibility.

Despite these daunting barriers, Fuje's spirit remained unbroken. His resolve to transform his family's fortunes through innovation in beekeeping never wavered, fuelled by a relentless belief in his vision.

A Turning Point with New Opportunities

Salvation came in the form of the Bench Maji Coffee Farmers' Cooperative Union, which, in partnership with 2SCALE, introduced a pioneering initiative that promised to revolutionize beekeeping in the region. This forward-thinking project proposed a shift from the forest-based traditional hives to more accessible, efficient backyard systems. A business model that aimed to revolutionize honey production in Kebwrta.

Importantly, the initiative was inclusive, extending opportunities to women in the community, thereby broadening its impact and fostering a more collective upliftment. Fuje, with his unwavering determination, was chosen for a beehive making training program in 2022.

Empowerment through Knowledge and Skills

The transformative potential of this initiative became tangible when Fuje participated in a specialized 5-day training course offered by the Mizan Aman Rural Technology Centre, an organization focused on training farmers in new technologies to boost production, and sub partner with the Bench Maji Union.

This program, aimed at modernizing beekeeping practices, equipped Fuje with the skills necessary to construct and manage modern beehives effectively. Through meticulous training and the ongoing support from a dedicated coach provided by the Union, Fuje mastered innovative techniques that promised to significantly increase his honey production and, by extension, his income.

Fuje’s Rise as an Entrepreneur

The knowledge Fuje acquired was a catalyst for his entrepreneurial spirit. Motivated by the possibilities, he allied with four friends to establish Yelewit Guzo, a beehive manufacturing enterprise. Their combined determination, bolstered by expert guidance and community support, quickly bore fruit. They successfully launched production, and within a short period, sold 17 improved beehives to eager local farmers.

These new hives not only yielded more honey but also drastically simplified the extraction process. Fuje transformed his own beekeeping operations from the traditional treetop hives to these new efficient backyard setups, increasing his hive count to 32 and dramatically boosting his honey production.

Inspiring the Community and Empowering Rural Youth

Fuje's journey from a struggling traditional beekeeper to a pioneering entrepreneur has made him a beacon of innovation in Kebwrta. According to Zerihun Ali, the ABC coach for South Bench Woreda,

Fuje is an exceptional young man who has skilfully applied training and insights into substantial achievements. He stands as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration in our community.

His success has motivated others, particularly the Kite Ber women's group. This group of ten farmers, inspired by Fuje’s achievements, purchased improved beehives from him and established a modern honey farm, equipped with transitional and modern hives in a professionally constructed shed.

Fuje’s story is a compelling testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community in transforming lives. His journey not only uplifts his family but also ignites a spark of entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Ethiopia, demonstrating that with the right support and determination, they can reshape their destinies and foster sustainable development within their communities.

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