Gredice Pedro, 45 years old and mother of six, once lived on subsistence farming in the community of Mussapa, Manica. Her interest in beekeeping was sparked when she saw other women joining the beekeeping project financed by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), through the Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development Project (CBDC), with funding from the French Development Agency (AFD). “In the past, beekeeping was seen as an activity exclusively for men,” she recalls.

With technical training, Langstroth hives, and protective equipment, Gredice ventured into a field traditionally dominated by men. She overcame the community’s initial skepticism with determination: “It was difficult at first, but over time, everyone accepted my teachings.” Today, she is the lead beekeeper and has already trained dozens of her neighbors.

The regular sale of honey has provided her with a stable income, allowing her to improve her home and self-esteem: “Selling honey allowed me to build my zinc-roofed house, which once seemed like a distant dream.” The impact extends to her family’s health, honey has become a home remedy and to women’s leadership, as Gredice is now an active voice in local decision-making.

Aware that forests sustain bees, she leads conservation actions. “We are reforesting degraded areas with native plants, and this is helping with environmental conservation,” she explains, while mobilizing neighbors to prevent wildfires and plant new trees.

Her future includes tripling the number of hives and involving her whole family. “I want to raise awareness in my family about the importance of this activity. It is essential not only for our survival but also for the conservation of our biodiversity,” she states with conviction.

Gredice’s story demonstrates that investing in women entrepreneurs strengthens communities, preserves forests, and generates prosperity. Every jar of honey sustains a household and protects Mozambique’s natural heritage. Support initiatives that empower women guardians of biodiversity because protecting nature is securing tomorrow.