Beekeeping

Azizi Life has provided work for over 700 artisans in rural communities in Rwanda!  This is a great start, but many more people need employment in these communities.

In 2016 we started the Azizi Life Beekeeping program to help beekeepers develop and to increase their income opportunities.  This gets much-needed income directly into the hands of rural Rwandans who use it to help their families and communities thrive.

Our beekeeping program started with the setup of a nearby apiary (beekeeping farm).  We used this apiary to train existing and new beekeepers in traditional methods with a modern twist.  This modern twist results in higher quality honey production and a reduction of bee colony destruction.  This is a win-win-win-win: higher income, more bees, more local crop pollination and overall positive environmental impact.

Traditionally, beekeepers gained income only through honey sales.  Our social enterprise, Beeutiful Creations, works to expand the beekeepers’ income through new product lines.  Our team takes the natural beeswax and develops different bee-related products, like candles, soap and lip balm.  Some beekeepers have also joined together to form a candle making cooperative.

Our beekeeping partners are working to build more beehives and expand their apiary’s production.  Your donation opens more opportunities for needed supplies and training to help their beekeeping work to thrive!

Check out our collection of candles here.