In northeast Peru, women beekeepers in the village of Chilal de la Merced have successfully navigated the challenges of climate change with the support of UN climate funding. By adopting adaptive measures and cultivating resilient plants, these women have revived their bee populations and established a flourishing honey business, generating approximately $13,000 annually.
In the mountainous region of northeast Peru, a dedicated group of women beekeepers has significantly transformed their livelihoods and the local bee population, thanks to climate funding from the United Nations. These women, predominantly from the village of Chilal de la Merced, have faced numerous challenges posed by climate change, including severe weather events that have threatened both their bees and the honey industry they rely upon. Chilal de la Merced, situated at an altitude exceeding 2,600 meters in the Cajamarca region, has been adversely affected by a series of extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains, droughts, frosts, and hailstorms. These climatic fluctuations have disrupted the bees’ ability to forage for essential nectar and pollen, especially evident in early 2022 when persistent rains left the bees unable to leave their hives, resulting in significant mortality. Recognizing the urgency of their situation, Karina Villalobos, a representative of the Hojuelas de Miel beekeepers association, and her colleagues applied for funding from Avanzar Rural, a joint initiative of the Peruvian government and the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) aimed at supporting vulnerable food producers. After receiving approximately $27,000 in grant funding, the beekeepers initiated strategies to adapt to the changing climate. These women took proactive measures to sustain their bee populations. They supplemented the bees’ nutrition with a mixture of sugar and vitamins while cultivating native plants and flowers that are more resilient to environmental changes. They strategically planted these flora around their hives and subsequently transplanted them into nearby forest areas to expand the bees’ foraging habitat. Despite the significant impact of climate change on rural communities, less than two percent of international climate finance reaches these areas. In Peru, women face additional obstacles in accessing funding due to property ownership norms. Villalobos articulated the challenge, stating, “Because the owner of the land is the man, so how can we get a loan?” Nevertheless, initiatives such as Avanzar Rural, which has financed 1,031 small businesses in Peru over the past four years, demonstrate that substantial progress is being made in uplifting rural populations. Through a collaborative effort, IFAD has contributed $24 million, complemented by an additional $45 million from the Peruvian government. As a result of their commitment and perseverance, the Hojuelas de Miel association currently manages 89 beehives and generates an annual revenue of approximately $13,000. Villalobos proudly reflects on their journey, asserting, “Today we are empowered and resilient women.”
This article highlights the adaptive strategies employed by women beekeepers in Peru to confront the challenges posed by climate change. The severe effects of climate variability can have detrimental impacts on agricultural practices and ecosystems, particularly in vulnerable areas like the Andes. With climate finance initiatives, these women have been able to implement methods that not only sustain their livelihoods but also positively influence the environment by fostering biodiversity through the cultivation of native flora.
The journey of the women beekeepers in Chilal de la Merced illustrates the powerful impact of climate funding on rural communities facing the threats of climate change. Through their resilience and innovative approaches, they have not only salvaged their bee populations but have also established a sustainable business that empowers them economically and socially. Their story underscores the critical need for continued support and investment in rural agricultural practices to combat the effects of climate change effectively.
Original Source: www.france24.com
