Background
Senegal, located in the Sahelo-Sudan zone, faces sporadic droughts (SDG 15), particularly during the rainy season (May to October), characterized by erratic dry spells and severe rainfall shortages. Over the last decade, regions like Ziguinchor, Kaolack, and Kedougou, crucial for rainfed agriculture, have experienced significant rainfall deficits—26%, 30%, and 36%, respectively, in 2007. This resulted in a 15% drop in national agricultural production. In 2011, drought led to a 20% reduction in grain production and a 31% decline in groundnut yield, causing food price inflation and food insecurity for an estimated 800,000 people. In rural areas, drought particularly affects children, leading to malnutrition and hindering education.
In Senegal, beekeeping has traditionally been a male-dominated practice due to the aggressive nature of bees, the physical demands of the work, and the nocturnal honey harvesting activities. Consequently, women have been systematically occupying secondary roles, primarily in the processing of hive products. However, women's significant involvement in household management underscores the need for their support in pursuing inclusive socio-economic development. This support is crucial for ensuring household resilience and empowerment through income-generating activities.
In response to this vision, phase 2 of the “Burru-Yambi: The Queens of Bees” project aims to promote the active involvement and emergence of women in the beekeeping sector. This phase will build on the achievements of the previous phase, addressing the identified needs. To enhance women's income-generating activities, the project will capitalize on their existing knowledge and enhance it through targeted training. Additionally, new equipment will be purchased for the honey processing unit to optimize tools and boost productivity and sales.
To address the needs for technical, organizational, and communication support, APISEN staff provide comprehensive training for the beneficiaries. Furthermore, the project will support APISEN and the creation of a beneficiary network, fostering a collaborative environment. The initiative's sustainability is anchored in raising awareness about the importance of consuming local, healthy, and high-quality products. Through these efforts, the project strives to create a more inclusive and prosperous beekeeping sector for women in Senegal.
