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Protecting Forests Through Beekeeping – Juliano’s Story

Young man in Malawi and a bee hive
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Malawi’s forests are disappearing at an alarming rate as trees are cut down for firewood and charcoal. To combat this problem, alternative energy sources are needed—but forests must also be given a new kind of value. That’s where IM’s partner, the Concerned Youth Organization (CYO), comes in. Through one of their projects, young people are learning beekeeping and honey production. Without forests, there would be no bees—something Juliano Sikelo has come to understand. Today, he is a passionate advocate for protecting the trees in his community.

Juliano strides quickly along the narrow path winding through the trees. His red coat stands out against the lush greenery. After a few hundred meters, he stops at a wooden structure hanging between two trees—one of the five beehives his youth group has received from CYO. With practiced hands, he opens it up to show how it works. This particular hive is newly installed and still empty, but in the others a little further away, bees are already buzzing frenetically.

“CYO provided us with beeswax, which we rub inside the hives to attract wild bees,” he explains.
“They also gave us protective gear and other beekeeping tools.”

Due to poverty, Juliano was forced to drop out of school at the age of 12. But thanks to this training in beekeeping, he now has a second chance – a way to break free from the cycle of poverty. More than that, he has come to understand the importance of preserving trees and forests.

“People used to cut down trees in our forest. But now, my friends and I are protecting them. We need the trees for our beekeeping, but also to retain water in the soil, which is essential for farming.”

Juliano Sikelo. Photo: Malin Kihlström

The beehives were installed in August last year, and the group expects their first full harvest in February. They anticipate producing around 120 liters of honey, which they will sell locally. The income will be shared equally among the group members, but part of it will also be used to support vulnerable children in the village.

“CYO gave us this knowledge for free. Now it’s our responsibility to share it and support others in need,” Juliano says with a shy smile.

Juliano dreams of building a stable income through beekeeping, combined with the small farm he manages. He grows cassava, beans, and maize on his land. His hope is to one day build a house and provide for a future family. For now, he also has a side job – working as a motorcycle taxi driver using a borrowed bike.

“Driving a taxi brings quick cash, but it’s unpredictable and the earnings are low. With beekeeping, I have a more secure and long-term income. It will allow me to invest in my future and build a good life – while also taking care of the environment.”

Text and photo: Malin Kihlström

By: Malin Kihlström