Abdullah's inspiring journey: Turning a love for nature into a buzzing business

June 3, 2024

Abdullah, an apprentice in beekeeping, tending to his bees in Hajjah Governorate.

UNDP Yemen / 2024

In Yemen’s north-western corner sits Hajjah Governorate, an area known for its rocky terrain. Poverty and limited economic opportunities plague many in the area, including 26-year-old Abdullah.  However, amidst numerous hardships, Abdullah's love for nature and the environment, particularly his fascination with beekeeping and the intricate process of honey production, ignited his passion.

When a call for applications for an International Labour Organization (ILO) apprenticeship programme in beekeeping and honey production was announced in his village, Abdullah saw it as his chance to turn his passion into a profession and seized the opportunity. He secured a desired spot as one of 200 youth selected to participate in the programme.

"Since I was a child, the gentle hum of bees has always captivated me," Abdullah shares. "The ILO apprenticeship programme finally gave me the knowledge and skills to transform that lifelong fascination into a tangible reality.”

The programme, designed to address the needs of youth like Abdullah, aimed to equip them with market-relevant, in-demand skills that would open doors to sustainable livelihoods and empower them to build a brighter future.

Abdullah, an apprentice in beekeeping from Hajjah Governorate.

UNDP Yemen / 2024

Through a combination of theoretical classroom instruction and practical, on-the-job training, Abdullah delved into the fascinating world of beekeeping. Classroom instruction laid the groundwork, offering him a deep understanding of bee biology, hive management, and honey production methods. This knowledge was then put into practice during on-the-job training sessions, where Abdullah apprenticed under seasoned beekeepers. Side by side, he learned the intricate art of bee breeding and care, honing skills in hive maintenance and honey harvesting. Abdullah also mastered vital techniques such as honey extraction and quality assurance. This holistic approach ensured that he not only grasped theoretical concepts but also developed the practical skills necessary to thrive as a beekeeper.

Equipped with the knowledge and skills acquired and provided with high-quality toolkits containing essential tools like live bees and honey extraction equipment, Abdullah embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. Leveraging his newfound expertise, he established his own beekeeping and honey production business.  By prioritizing bee welfare, and upholding rigorous quality control measures, Abdullah cultivated a flourishing beehive that yielded premium, pure honey. 

Through his beekeeping enterprise, Abdullah secured a sustainable income to support his family.  His story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve remarkable success, inspiring others in his community and beyond. 

"My aspirations reach far beyond the present," Abdullah declares. "I envision myself as the most renowned beekeeper in Yemen, commended for producing the delicious honey varieties that have made our country famous."

A call for continued support

Abdullah's incredible journey from unemployment and hardship to a thriving business illustrates the impact of targeted interventions and innovative solutions in empowering individuals to realize their full potential and become drivers of sustainable economic growth and development.

"Supporting Resilient Livelihood, Food Security and Climate Adaptation in Yemen - (ERRY III)" is a three-year joint programme generously co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sweden. This initiative has empowered Abdullah and hundreds of Yemeni youths, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to establish sustainable livelihoods. The programme is managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and jointly implemented by four participating UN agencies – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and UNDP. It aims to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance self-reliance through conflict resolution, social cohesion, access to renewable/clean energy, and climate adaptation strategies.

A group of apprentices during practical beekeeping training in Najra District, Hajjah Governorate.

UNDP Yemen / 2024

ERRY, an integrated and multi-sectoral programme with a comprehensive, area-based approach, emphasizes the power of partnership, collaboration, and collective action. However, Yemen still faces immense challenges, and its path to recovery remains fraught with obstacles. Continued support is essential to ensure that all young Yemenis have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Investing in resilience-focused initiatives like ERRY is not only transformative and impactful, but also imperative for empowering youth and shaping a bright future for Yemen.