Beekeeping revitalizes livelihoods in Haiti

On the north-east coast of Haiti, the sound of change is a constant buzzing. Here, within a protected area known as the Three Bays, small-scale farmers are leading a beekeeping transformation. 

Beekeeping is a long-practiced tradition in this region and holds great economic and environmental potential. But a lack of training, adequate equipment and organization has limited its growth. 

To address these challenges, more than 400 beekeepers joined a capacity-building programme that provides training and technical support to strengthen livelihoods. The initiative is part of the Inclusive Blue Economy Project (I-BE), financed by IFAD and implemented by the Haiti’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. 

I-BE has distributed dozens of modern hives and specialized tools such as storage barrels, extractors, protective clothing, smokers and frame lifters. Through the project, participants have also strengthened their community organizations, founding a beekeeping cooperative.  

All this support has enabled beekeepers to increase honey production, better market their products and boost their local economy. 

Safer, more profitable beekeeping

“Before the project, beekeeping was practiced without protection and without proper equipment, which made the work difficult, slowed the sector’s development and discouraged young people from joining the profession,” says 45-year-old Jérémie. 

The son of a beekeeper, Jérémie has been passionate about the business since childhood and now feels he is part of its transformation. Dressed in his new protective suit provided by the project and preparing his smoker – a device that generates bee-calming smoke – Jérémie applies what he learned during training in the field. 

“Now I know how to treat parasites and mites, which pose a serious threat to honey production,” he explains. He also highlights the growth in economic returns, with the sale of by-products such as wax, pollen, and propolis increasing profits. 

An opportunity for rural women

Gladice, 45, comes from the locality of Phaéton. She used to support her family through small-scale trading and laundry work. 

As a member of the Women Farmers’ Association for the Development of Phaéton, she took part in the training programme offered by I-BE and now takes pride in working as a beekeeper.  

“Before, my knowledge was very basic,” she says. Today, she works in her organization’s apiary, which has been equipped by the project. “The training opened new perspectives for me. Thanks to honey sales, my organization helps me meet some of my needs,” says Gladice.  

The dream of a young beekeeper

Jaccius, a 30-year-old from the municipality of Limonade, says the programme has addressed crucial aspects of production. “What I like is that the training sessions have given me deep knowledge on important topics I didn’t know how to handle before, such as fermentation and crystallization of honey,” he says. 

Thanks to his training, Jaccius is now working to fulfil his dream of becoming a successful beekeeper.  

Last September, I-BE's first group of beekeepers – including Jérémie, Gladice and Jaccius – received their certificates of completion, marking the end of one learning cycle and the start of new opportunities for growth. They expect an increase in honey production that will translate into higher incomes and better nutrition for families in a country where half of the population faces hunger. 

Their experience shows that beekeeping is not just a traditional craft, but also a driver of sustainable, long-term economic growth. By strengthening skills and modernizing practices, I-BE has paved the way for a competitive, environmentally friendly beekeeping industry that builds hope for rural families. 

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This story was first published by IFAD.