V&M Grain Co, an SNV client organisation in Mozambique recently qualified as a finalist for the “Nature Challenge” award. Sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF); the 20,000 EUR award supports businesses that drive ecosystem improvement.  

V&M Grain Co. has gained international acclaim for its innovative approach to beekeeping in rural Mozambique. Beekeepers generally use tree bark to build hives – which is both expensive and causes deforestation. V&M Grain Co. applies a sustainable solution by building hives from cheaper local materials such as coconut wood, mud and bamboo. With financial and technical support from SNV; V&M provides 5,000 farmers with credit to buy the new hives. The shift to diverse materials will reduce deforestation of hard-wood trees. More importantly - for many farmers, who could not afford tree bark, the new hives are a new livelihood.   

More beekeepers mean far-reaching environmental impact. Increased pollination of natural flora improves yield of crops like maize, beans and sesame. Beekeepers carefully protect their apiaries from fire, helping protect forests and biodiversity.

To generate income, SNV trains the farmers in hive management and harvesting. Field advisors ensure that honey production adheres to fair-trade “organic” norms, opening up the EU market for Mozambique farmers. V&M Grain Co. facilitates market access by buying back the farmers’ honey for local sales and export.

After five years, the 5,000 Mozambique farmers are expected to produce 500 tonnes of organic honey per year. V&M Grain Co. will pay 2 USD per kg, which will translate into an increase in revenue of 1 million USD for the farmers.