Nearly two weeks after the escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the situation in Lebanon has become extremely dire. The sharp rise in bombardments since 2 March 2026 has caused widespread displacement and severe humanitarian consequences. 

Ongoing mass displacement 

On March 13, ReliefWeb reported that one in seven people in Lebanon are now displaced, equating to over 800,000 people. Local sources have informed Dorcas that local authorities already estimate the number of displaced people to be over a million. These figures are expected to rise as continued airstrikes cause widespread chaos and insecurity. 

Large numbers of people continue to sleep in public spaces and along the coast, having fled with few belongings and with no access to safe housing. Shelters are under immense pressure and are severely overstretched, with essential supplies depleting rapidly. 

The situation is highly critical. Women, children, older people and people with disabilities face heightened risks due to overcrowding, psychological distress and restricted access to services. Without continued, urgent assistance, families will face worsening food insecurity, harsher living conditions and an increased risk to their safety. 

Dorcas offering immediate support 

From the very beginning of the escalation, Dorcas has been supporting those in need. Our aim is to contribute to the immediate protection of the growing number of people affected. We do this by ensuring timely access to life-saving food assistance, emergency shelter, essential non-food items and integrated protection support. Our support includes: 

‘We left with only the clothes we were wearing’ 

Zeinab (68) fled her home with her son and grandchildren and is now living in a temporary shelter for displaced families. In total, eight members of her family share a small space inside the school. ‘We left our home quickly. There was no time to pack anything,’ she explains. 

The journey to the shelter took more than 24 hours. Roads were heavily congested with families fleeing at the same time, turning what should have been a short trip into a long and stressful ordeal. 

‘I was worried the entire time,’ Zeinab says. ‘Not for myself, but for my grandchildren. I tried to stay calm so they wouldn’t feel how scared I was. As a grandmother, I try to stay strong for them. But it is not easy when everything in our lives has changed so suddenly.’ 

On arrival, the family received basic mattresses and blankets to help them settle in. While grateful for the support, daily life in the shelter remains difficult. Like many displaced families, Zeinab and her relatives now rely on humanitarian assistance and community support to cope with each day, while hoping for stability and the chance to return home. 

In late February, colleagues from Dorcas offices across East Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, as well as from the International Office, joined the team in Kenya for a learning event.

The goal was to examine how programmes are designed around livelihoods and economic development, as well as climate adaptation and resilience, share lessons across contexts, and leave with sharper thinking and practical tools. Topics covered included value chains, employability and market-focused thinking, as well as land restoration, water resilience and nature-based solutions.

Three key takeaways on climate adaptation and resilience

1. Understand the ecosystem before taking action.

Climate work begins with an understanding of the landscape. Restoration does not always mean planting trees. In some areas, farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR), soil and water conservation, or rangeland management can be more effective. Tailored strategies are more important than speed.

2. Use tools that centre communities.

Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis and Local Adaptation Planning support communities in identifying risks, assessing vulnerabilities and shaping adaptation plans. This ensures that interventions are based on reality rather than assumptions.

3. Nature-based solutions are essential.

Landscape restoration, water harvesting, ecosystem protection and regenerative agriculture strengthen resilience while improving soil quality, biodiversity and productivity. In communities that rely on natural resources, these solutions form the core of their infrastructure.

Three key takeaways on Livelihoods and Economic Development

1. Recognise the livelihood pathway.

Households transition from survival and coping strategies to adapting and engaging with markets. Support must be tailored to their current situation. Families struggling to meet their basic needs require different support to stabilised cooperatives that are ready to engage with value chains.

2. Think in terms of value chains and connect to markets.

The Dorcas Value Chain Approach, informed by evaluations across East Africa, has highlighted both opportunities and challenges. Case studies, including that of the honey value chain in Kitui, Kenya, revealed issues ranging from quality control to market access. Future programmes will focus on creating sustainable, demand-driven opportunities.

Nicodemus, Director of Programmes at Dorcas Yemen, describes:

‘Many participants in Yemen are involved in honey production, and the environment in Kitui is similar to parts of Yemen. We will use these lessons to ensure that project participants take part in sustainable value chain activities, improve production quality and gain access to local markets.’

3. Invest in youth and the long term.

Job and Business Centres, which combine life skills, vocational training and entrepreneurship support, have demonstrated that connecting young people to labour markets is most effective in the long term. Sustainable change requires long-term engagement with communities and market actors.

Learning in practice: field visits

Field visits were a highlight of the event and helped to make abstract concepts more tangible. Participants had the opportunity to visit ongoing Dorcas projects and meet farmers, community groups, and project staff. They observed value chain development in action at the honey cooperative in Kitui and climate adaptation strategies, including land restoration, water management and regenerative agriculture, in Loitoktok in Kajiado County. Participants could ask questions, test assumptions and observe what works and what doesn’t in real contexts.

Andrei, Programme Manager at Dorcas Moldova elaborates:

‘It was incredibly valuable to see the projects in Kenya. The honey value chain project in Kitui was particularly inspiring! It was well organised and close to self-sustained. It could serve as a model for our farmer field schools in Moldova.’

The most inspiring insight

The event highlighted a simple truth: the most effective programmes combine technical expertise with genuine community ownership. Communities that shape solutions achieve sustainable and scalable results, whether the focus is on land restoration, honey production, water management or youth employability.

Daniella, Thematic Expert at Dorcas, describes:

‘The goal of this learning event is not just to learn new tools, but to bring them back to our programmes. The real success will be if, in the coming years, our country offices apply these approaches and build stronger programmes that deliver lasting impact for communities.’

Over the past couple of weeks, the situation in the Middle East has become extremely volatile. Ongoing missile strikes across multiple countries have significantly destabilised the region. Although conditions continue to shift, the overall environment is one of uncertainty and escalating risk. 

Dorcas maintains country offices in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Yemen and Iraq. The impact of recent developments varies considerably across these countries, with Lebanon currently the most affected and facing the greatest needs. This update provides an overview of each country office and how the evolving situation is influencing our work. 

Lebanon 

Lebanon is currently facing a severe and rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis. Sustained airstrikes have affected southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, Baalbek‑Hermel, Beirut, and Mount Lebanon. Large-scale evacuation orders have caused widespread panic and mass displacement. This escalation comes on top of Lebanon’s multi-year economic collapse, leaving communities in urgent need. 

According to UNHCR, around 517,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, with more than 117,000 staying in collective shelters. In addition, in the first week of March, over 70,000 Syrians living in Lebanon and nearly 7,000 Lebanese crossed back to Syria, reflecting the scale of recent movements (source UNHCR, March 9th). Recent numbers indicate a displacement of at least 667,000 people (source UNHCR, March 10th).

Many displaced people are fleeing with minimal belongings, seeking shelter in schools, public spaces, and overcrowded collective shelters. Capacity in these sites is overstretched, with urgent needs for food, safe water, hygiene items, protection, and psychosocial support.

Najla, Dorcas Country Director in Lebanon and Syria, describes:

‘People are out on the roads, on the streets and beaches. They are staying outside at night as they have no place to go. We need to start distributing necessary items, such as food parcels now. People need food today. We cannot wait.’ 

Dorcas has been responding immediately since the beginning of the escalation. The response includes: 

This response is being scaled up rapidly in the coming days and weeks. 

Iraq 

The situation in Iraq is tense. The Dorcas Iraq team is safe and maintaining project activities where possible. Communities are experiencing anxiety, particularly in areas already facing limited services, although many continue to show resilience and remain engaged in programme activities. Our teams remain in close contact with them. 

Our projects in Iraq are somewhat affected by travel restrictions and limited access to certain locations. Some activities in areas such as Sinjar and Basra have been rescheduled due to the security situation. 

In recent days, there have been several recent drone incidents targeting critical sites, including industrial facilities and hotels. These developments are concerning, and Dorcas continues to monitor the situation closely. 

Syria  

The situation in Syria is calm at the moment, and the team has not yet been significantly affected by the recent instability and conflict. Although there have been minor incidents, our colleagues on the ground report that life is continuing relatively unchanged. The Dorcas Syria team has been in regular contact with colleagues in Lebanon, discussing ways to provide support and taking steps to do so. 

Egypt 

The situation in Egypt remains stable. All Dorcas staff, the communities in which we work, and our programmes are safe, and there have been no reports of security threats. The main challenge at present is the substantial increase in prices, which is limiting participants’ access to essential goods and services. 

Yemen 

The situation in Yemen, both in the north and the south, remains relatively calm. There have been no significant new impacts on Dorcas’ projects, and the Dorcas Yemen team is generally coping well. 

However, Yemen continues to face a prolonged crisis that requires urgent attention. In addition, a projected increase in fuel prices is expected to further exacerbate the economic situation. 

Across the world, many women continue to face barriers that limit their full participation in society, including in economic life. Limited access to markets, finance, and decision-making restricts their opportunities. Creating equal economic opportunities requires deliberate action.

At Dorcas, inclusion is central to our work. We apply a gender lens and an intersectional approach in selecting project participants, considering age, disability, poverty, and ethnicity to identify those most at risk of exclusion. Through this approach, we strengthen women’s economic participation.

In Dorcas’ economic development work, value chains play a key role. These programmes are designed to strengthen the participation of marginalised groups, including women, by providing chances to learn new skills, take part in production and sales, manage savings and finances, and have a stronger voice in household and community decisions. To see whether these intentions are realised, we studied our value chain projects across Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. While the study included multiple marginalised groups, this article focuses on what we found about women.

Women’s participation in value chains

The study shows that women participate actively and consistently. They attend trainings, join group activities, and engage in production linked to markets. Many gain new skills, earn a steadier income, and contribute more to household welfare. Participation also made women’s contributions more visible, leading to more discussion and shared decisions in households and groups, especially where income was regular and institutions strong. In Siaya, for example, predictable poultry income sparked household discussions about expenses: ‘When the chickens started bringing money regularly, I was asked how it should be used,’ a female poultry producer said.

But participation does not automatically mean control. While more households reported joint decision-making, women were rarely sole decision-makers. Traditional norms around asset ownership and authority often limited women’s long-term control.

Certain programme features supported women to participate more fully. Cooperatives and groups offered structure, shared responsibility, and formal recognition of women’s roles. Savings mechanisms helped women manage income and plan ahead. Direct access to markets reduced dependence on middlemen and removed the hassle of daily price negotiations.

Challenges and mitigation

Inclusion brings opportunities but also pressures. Increased participation can mean heavier workloads, exposure to safety risks, and vulnerability to economic shocks. Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and households facing poverty are particularly affected.

Dorcas works to reduce these pressures through group structures, peer support, and savings systems that help households manage uncertainty. Systematic risk management remains important to ensure all participants can benefit safely and fairly.

 

Lessons for women’s empowerment

From the study, four core lessons emerge for strengthening women’s empowerment in value chains:

  1. Participation alone is not enough. Empowerment requires not only involvement but also influence over outcomes. Women need a say in how income is used and resources managed. Without control over benefits, participation risks remaining symbolic rather than transformative.
  2. Working together strengthens resilience. Cooperatives, savings groups, and Farmer Field Schools provide structure, peer support, and safe spaces to learn and plan. Collective approaches increase predictability, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen women’s voice and legitimacy.
  3. Context matters. Women’s experiences differ. Age, disability, ethnicity, and prevailing social norms shape how they can participate and benefit. Recognising these differences ensures inclusion reaches those most at risk and that empowerment gains last.
  4. Diversifying income increases stability. Relying on a single activity exposes households to shocks. Combining value chain roles with savings, micro-enterprises, or service-based work spreads risk and strengthens long-term economic security.

‘Today, I see myself as a businesswoman’

Kadija, a 50-year-old woman from Moyale, Ethiopia, joined the camel milk cooperative to overcome seasonal poverty and uncertainty. She recalls:

‘Before I joined the cooperative, my life was very uncertain. During the dry seasons, work would completely disappear. Some days we struggled just to get food.’Through the milk collection centre, Kadija gained a stable income and became a recognised economic contributor in her household and community. She explains:

‘Today, I see myself as a businesswoman. I have a stable income, I save money, and I plan better. People respect me more, and I have a voice not only in my home but also in the community.’

She also highlights the importance of working together:

‘Working together changed everything for me. Through the cooperative, women support each other, share responsibilities, and inspire one another to keep going.”

Her story reflects the broader findings: when women gain access to skills, markets, income, and collective support, economic participation can translate into greater stability, recognition, and confidence.

At the Dorcas Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, young people are purposefully building their future in a training facility. In an environment where professional skill development is central, they are acquiring technical capabilities, strengthening their confidence, and opening up new perspectives. With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge in Ethiopia, the centre plays a crucial role in equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in the labour market. 

A programme where skills and dignity grow together

The TVET programme combines practical skills with personal development. Students can choose to specialise in metalwork, woodworking or garment production. They study theory in the classroom alongside hands-on training with industry-standard tools. Life skills sessions and introductory business training help students to understand how to work and how to shape their future with intention and resilience.

Each course lasts four to six months, with around 25 students per class. A one-month placement in a cooperative introduces them to the realities of modern workplaces and brings their learning to life.

Reaching those who need support the most 

Participants are aged between 15 and 32 and are selected in collaboration with Woreda-level government offices. This ensures that opportunities reach young migrants, school dropouts, individuals escaping unsafe situations, and young people without family support.

Many participants initially arrive feeling uncertain and hesitant due to challenging past experiences. However, as they refine their skills, receive structured guidance and build their competence, they undergo a significant transformation. They become more confident communicators, their self-belief grows, and they begin to take responsibility for their choices. This personal development is as important as the technical training itself.

Support that extends beyond the training  

Through Job and Business Services (JBS), students receive support in connecting with employers and exploring opportunities in small businesses. This personalised support enables most graduates to quickly secure dignified employment, with positive knock-on effects for their families and communities. Families gain stability, younger siblings stay in education, and communities see capable, hopeful young people fulfilling their potential.

Stories of courage and change   

A young girl from the north of the country came to Addis Ababa to escape an arranged marriage arranged by her family. She was only 16 years old at the time. Travelling alone, she quickly found that life in the city was uncertain. Everything changed when she enrolled on a garment training course at the Dorcas TVET centre.

She now works as a supervisor at WARIT Furniture and continues her education through an evening programme. In her own words:

‘I survived those difficult days, now I am working to realise my dreams.’

Strengthening communities through skilled youth 

When young people gain confidence, skills and employment, communities change with them. The TVET programme not only lifts individuals, it strengthens families, inspires peers and reduces the social pressures associated with youth unemployment. A generation once considered marginalised becomes a generation of contributors, innovators and role models. 

Looking ahead: building a centre of excellence 

The TVET centre continues to grow. Its development into a centre of excellence in furniture making includes a dedicated woodworking workshop and new machinery. Plans for the future include expanding into new fields where there is high demand for skilled workers:

Dorcas also has a long-term vision to establish a self-sustaining business wing linked to the TVET centre, which would be a significant step towards becoming an independent training institute.

Where new paths begin

Across Ethiopia, many young people face uncertainty, exposure to risk and limited prospects for advancement. The Dorcas TVET Centre offers them a structured environment in which to develop market-relevant skills, receive professional guidance and access new growth opportunities. It offers a space where competence leads to dignity, where mentorship supports informed decision-making and where tangible opportunities provide a sense of direction and possibility in place of uncertainty.

Iraq is facing one of the most severe climate crises in the region. Temperatures are rising seven times faster than the global average, and the country is expected to experience increasing flooding, drought, and desertification over the coming decade. These pressures are already undermining livelihoods and economic resilience at the household level, contributing to rising poverty.

By 2035, Iraq is expected to have a water deficit of around ten billion cubic metres, driving drought, soil salinisation, and the loss of around 25,000 hectares of agricultural land each year. It is estimated that 70 per cent of Iraq’s agricultural land is at risk of total degradation due to climate change.

Climate needs assessment

Against this backdrop, Dorcas Iraq conducted a qualitative climate needs assessment in Basra, Ninewa (Sinjar) and Duhok between November and December 2025. The assessment aimed to identify priority climate risks and practical actions to strengthen resilience in agriculture, water management, and ecosystems.

Data was gathered through fifteen key informant interviews across Basra, Ninewa, Duhok and Mosul, as well as two focus group discussions in Sinuni (Balef and Ware Khidre villages), involving 21 participants in total.

Key findings

The assessment highlights a consistent pattern across all locations:

Priority needs per governorate

In Basra, severe water scarcity, high salinity, desertification and industrial pollution are all major issues. Priority areas include the implementation of water-efficient irrigation systems, the establishment of local water storage facilities, the rehabilitation of canals, and the strengthening of governance, particularly with regard to industrial water use.

In Ninewa (Sinjar), prolonged drought, high temperatures and erratic rainfall are causing soil degradation and losses to crops and livestock. Support for climate-smart agriculture, including drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting and coaching through demonstration plots, is especially needed for women, youth, smallholders and internally displaced people.

In Duhok, drought, irregular rainfall, land degradation and frequent wildfires are having an impact on forests and livelihoods. Key priorities include integrated water resource management, community water committees and forest fuel management linked to wildfire prevention.

How Dorcas is contributing

Dorcas addresses these needs by planting trees using water-saving methods such as the Waterboxx, distributing fruit tree seedlings, and providing practical climate adaptation training. Forest-focused activities include pruning and establishing a biomass-to-compost value chain to reduce fire risk and improve soil quality. Dorcas also supports institutional capacity building and green jobs programs, including vocational training in mushroom cultivation.

Sargon, Country Director of Dorcas Iraq, explains:

‘Our climate resilience strategy prioritises proactive, evidence-based action. In Basra, we focus on expanding community- and farm-level water storage, improving irrigation efficiency, and addressing soil salinity. In Duhok and Ninewa, we are promoting climate-smart agriculture, restoring degraded land, and strengthening wildfire prevention.

Central to this approach is improved coordination between water authorities, agricultural departments, and local communities, enabling lasting, inclusive climate resilience across Iraq.’

Millions of people in Ukraine currently have no electricity, light or heating, and winter is bringing temperatures well below freezing. ‘The situation is critical due to ongoing drone and shell attacks,’ says Bohdan, Security Officer at Dorcas Ukraine.

The situation in the city of Zaporizhzhia is particularly severe. ‘There are many damaged houses and apartment buildings that have become uninhabitable due to the shelling,’ explains Bohdan. The entire eastern region around Zaporizhzhia is close to the increasingly volatile front line. ‘The attacks make it unsafe to go outside. Essential services, such as electricity, frequently fail, often for more than ten hours a day.’

Bohdan and his colleagues have been visiting the city to assess where assistance is required. Life in these freezing temperatures is extremely tough. He explains: ‘Older people are finding it particularly hard to cope with the icy conditions, due to constant insecurity and their limited mobility.’

Emergency kits

The extreme cold can quickly become a ruthless enemy, particularly for young children, people with disabilities and older people. To support those in need, Dorcas provides portable emergency kits that enable people to cook, keep warm and maintain contact with family and emergency services.

Each kit contains:

Bohdan emphasises: ‘This support is urgently needed to ensure the safety and health of those on the front line.’

Donate to our emergency support

José Salema, Country Director of Dorcas Yemen, clearly remembers the moment he was asked to provide support to a remote village. ‘It was after a devastating flood,’ he says. ‘Everything was underwater. The harvest was lost, the wells were contaminated and diseases broke out. Worst of all, people could not reach the hospital.’

During the rainy season, the village is located close to a river and far from any basic facilities. There are no markets, schools or hospitals nearby. Most families have no regular income and survive by doing seasonal agricultural work in a neighbouring village on the other side of the river. Life across the river could not be more different: there are solid houses, jobs, food, a bustling market and good facilities. The contrast is stark. These differences often lead to tension and conflict between the villages.

Following the flooding, Dorcas provided emergency assistance in the form of food, clean drinking water, and medical care. However, José and his team wanted to do more than simply provide emergency supplies. José: ‘We asked the people, ‘What do you need to prevent this from happening again?’ The answer was surprisingly simple: a bridge.’

The bridge is a lifeline

For the villagers, the river forms both a boundary and an obstacle. When the water rises, it is impossible to cross. This means no work, no school and no access to healthcare. ‘With a bridge, daily life can continue even when the river floods,’ explains José. ‘Children can go to school and pregnant women can reach the doctor.’

The construction of the bridge was a joint effort. Local contractors and labourers worked alongside the villagers, who received training and built it stone by stone. ‘They are very proud,’ José says. ‘It is their bridge. They have shown that they are capable of creating something valuable. This boosts their confidence and self-worth.’

A bridge to flourishing

The bridge brought with it some unexpected benefits. During construction, the idea emerged to tackle the water problem more structurally as well. ‘We installed an irrigation system that drains excess water and channels it to farmland,’ explains José. “Now the crops no longer flood. There is now enough food for everyone.’

In the past, villagers had to ask their employers for food during difficult times, which often caused tension. Now there is stability. There are no more lost harvests, hunger or conflict. ‘The bridge and the irrigation system have transformed life in the village,’ says José. ‘People are in closer contact with one another, and that also reduces tensions.’

Gezicht vanaf boven op een smalle brug met mensen die erover lopen, omgeven door groene bomen en akkers, met een auto en een ruwe pad onder de brug.

Find out more about the work of Dorcas Yemen!

Distributing food in blue buckets to older people and families in vulnerable situations is at the heart of Dorcas’ Blue Bucket Campaign in Eastern Europe. However, the initiative is about more than just providing food: it also focuses on offering personal attention, restoring self-confidence and fostering stronger communities.

In addition to the annual Dorcas Food Campaign in the Netherlands, Dorcas runs a separate food initiative called the Blue Bucket Campaign. This campaign takes place each year in Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Albania – countries where Dorcas operates in Eastern Europe.

Volunteers, churches and schools collect food in blue buckets for older people and families in vulnerable circumstances. The buckets primarily contain non-perishable items such as oil, flour, and beans, though local fresh produce is often included too.

Attention and appreciation

For many of those who receive the buckets, the food provides a welcome addition to what little they have. However, distributing food involves much more than just handing over supplies. Volunteers who deliver the buckets take the time to chat, offering personal attention that makes older people feel seen and valued. These interactions restore dignity and offer renewed hope for the days ahead.

A snowball effect

The Blue Bucket Campaign has been running in Romania since 2009. Food and monetary donations are collected from supermarkets and other locations.

‘Our campaign grows every year. It truly has a snowball effect. Last year, we almost doubled our efforts, collecting an impressive 5,860 buckets of food,’ explains Mihai Coste, Programme Coordinator at Dorcas Romania.

‘This year, we aim to expand the campaign further. We are seeking to engage more partners and have established a volunteer committee to coordinate the initiative here in Cluj, where our office is located. By involving additional stakeholders, we can reach and assist even more people.’

A social safety net

The Blue Bucket Campaign has a significant impact on communities. It raises awareness of the difficult living conditions often faced by the older generation. It encourages people to look out for one another and offer support to those in need.

Mihai adds: ‘We strive to involve as many community members as possible. We collaborate with churches, volunteers, local development organisations and businesses. Through this approach, we aim to build stronger communities. Ultimately, this creates a social safety net within the community itself, reducing long-term dependency on our assistance.’

> Find out more about the Blue Bucket Campaign <

Across Kenya, communities are experiencing the growing impacts of climate change. Rainfall has become increasingly erratic, harvests are less reliable, and many rural families struggle to secure enough food throughout the year. In the semi-arid county of Kitui, these pressures are compounded by environmental degradation caused by illegal charcoal production, which has accelerated deforestation and reduced vital sources of forage for livestock and bees. 

To address these challenges, Dorcas Kenya works with local communities to build climate-resilient livelihoods, increase incomes and strengthen household food security. Through the Honey Value Chain Project, farmers are organised into Farmer Field Schools where they receive training on best production and harvesting methods, modern beehives, and support to connect with cooperatives, enabling them to sell their honey together at fair prices.

One of the farmers who embraced this opportunity is Justus Makau Mutua, whose story reflects the hope and transformation this project brings. 

Choosing a sustainable future

Justus (33) lives in Kitui County with his wife and their two children, a seven-year-old and a four-year-old. After graduating from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Commerce, he made the deliberate decision to return to his home village rather than seek employment in the city. He opened a small butcher’s shop at the local market and traded livestock, but the income was inconsistent and insufficient to support his family.

Meanwhile, life in Kitui was becoming increasingly difficult. Years of failing rains left many households facing food shortages. As trees disappeared due to charcoal production, pastureland and bee forage were depleted. When Dorcas Kenya launched the Honey Value Chain Project, Justus grasped the opportunity to build a more resilient livelihood.

Although beekeeping in his community was traditionally practised by older men, Justus decided to give it a try. In 2021, he cautiously began with ten modern hives, which were provided through the project. He soon saw results.

With training from Dorcas Kenya, he learned how to set up an apiary, attract and manage colonies, and safely harvest and process honey. Techniques such as cleaning hives with basil and applying beeswax increased his productivity. Dorcas Kenya also connected his group to cooperatives, enabling farmers to sell their honey collectively and secure fair prices.

Today, Justus manages 60 hives. He is the secretary of his local beekeeping group and encourages young people and women to take up the practice, challenging long-held stereotypes in the process.

Improved income and better food security 

This year, Justus harvested 235 kilograms of honey, earning him 63,450 Kenyan shillings (approximately €460). This income enables him to pay his children’s school fees, buy food for his family and reinvest in his butcher’s business. His success has also inspired those around him: his father, Mzee Mutua, has started keeping bees too, and now manages ten hives alongside his son.

For families like Justus’, beekeeping directly contributes to food security. Honey is a reliable product that can be harvested even in difficult seasons. Meanwhile, Dorcas Kenya is working with communities on landscape restoration and climate-smart practices to ensure that there is enough forage for the bees year-round.

Justus dreams of expanding to 200 hives and using the additional income to invest in rental housing. However, his motivation goes beyond personal growth. ‘I want to show other young people that beekeeping can offer a dignified and sustainable livelihood,’ he says.

Through the Honey Value Chain Project, Dorcas Kenya continues to support farmers like Justus in building resilience, restoring the environment and securing a more stable future for their families.