Nnewi Women Lead the Charge as Over 200 Bee Farmers Trained in Landmark Honey Export Drive

 

A transformative shift may be underway in Anambra State as local women and youth take center stage in what could become one of Nigeria’s most ambitious agro-export success stories. In a move designed to empower grassroots entrepreneurs and boost economic diversification, the Nnewi Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NWCCIMA) recently hosted a landmark sensitization and training workshop for aspiring and practicing bee farmers.

The workshop, themed “Engaging Youths and Women in the Honey Bee Farming Business and Export”, was organized in partnership with the Progressive Women Nnewi North Multipurpose Cooperative Society. Backed by the Orizu Dala Emenike Foundation and co-sponsored by the UK-based Nnewi Advancement Charity (NAC), the event surpassed expectations, drawing more than 200 enthusiastic participants despite an initial target of just 100.

What began as a modest educational initiative quickly turned into a major community mobilization effort. Held in the heart of Nnewi’s industrial belt, the event attracted a wide cross-section of local residents, most of them women and youth, many of whom were introduced to the business and export potential of honey production for the first time.

Three highly experienced resource persons led the sessions, offering participants detailed insights into modern apiculture methods and sustainable bee farming practices. At the forefront of this training was Dr. Chukwueloka Uduagum, a respected apiarist known for his work in honey production across West Africa. His presentations combined practical instruction with market-focused guidance on how bee products can be refined and positioned for both local and international markets.

Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uchenna Chukwu, who serves as the 2nd Vice President of NWCCIMA and also doubles as Secretary to the Orizu Dala Emenike Foundation, described the initiative as a milestone event in Anambra’s agricultural transformation. According to her, the workshop was strategically aligned with World Beekeeping Day and served to draw attention to the vast, untapped potential of honey production in the region.

“Anambra's climate and floral diversity give us a unique edge in bee farming,” she said. “With focused training and the right infrastructure, we are confident that our farmers can meet international quality standards and secure a space in the global honey market.”

Dr. Chukwu also revealed the state’s ambitious goal: exporting 25,000 metric tons of honey by the end of 2026. She expressed optimism that, armed with the new skills and knowledge acquired during the workshop, participants would become valuable contributors to this export vision.

Equally present at the event was the Deputy Chairperson of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Mrs. Ijeoma Okoli, who commended the organizers for their foresight and dedication. She pledged the local government's support toward women and youth empowerment through agriculture, noting that such grassroots-focused programs could serve as a blueprint for rural development in other parts of the state.

What made the workshop particularly noteworthy was the shift it signaled. Rather than waiting for large-scale industrial investment, local communities are taking ownership of economic opportunities, leveraging available resources to create sustainable livelihoods. Honey farming, with its relatively low barrier to entry and high demand in both domestic and international markets, was identified as an ideal avenue for economic participation, particularly among women and young people.

Participants, some of whom had never considered bee farming as a viable career path, left with renewed enthusiasm and practical steps to begin or scale their operations. The workshop also featured breakout sessions on quality control, certification, and export requirements, arming attendees with knowledge that goes beyond farming and delves into business strategy.

While the enthusiasm on display was palpable, organizers emphasized that this was only the beginning. Follow-up trainings, cooperative formations, and grant facilitation are already in the pipeline to ensure continuity and scale. For many attendees, the event marked a turning point, sparking dreams of building enterprises that could one day carry the “Made in Anambra” label across borders.

With Nnewi now positioning itself as a strategic hub in the honey value chain, the ripple effect of this initiative could be significant. It is no longer just about bee farming; it is about rewriting the narrative of rural development, one hive at a time.