In Peru’s Cajamarca region, women beekeepers have utilized UN climate funding to rescue their bee populations from climate-related adversities and establish a successful honey business. Facing severe weather events, they adapted their practices and demonstrated resilience, benefiting from targeted financial support to enhance their livelihoods and empower their community.
In the mountainous region of northeast Peru, a collective of women beekeepers has effectively harnessed United Nations climate funding to salvage both their bee populations and their livelihoods. Amid escalating impacts from climate change, including heavy rainfall, droughts, frosts, and hailstorms, these women have not only rescued their hives but also established a successful honey business. Chilal de la Merced, a village situated at an altitude exceeding 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) in the Cajamarca region, has faced severe climate adversities that have disrupted beekeeping activities. The changing weather patterns have significantly hampered the bees’ foraging capabilities, leading to alarming losses in their populations. According to Karina Villalobos, the 28-year-old spokesperson for the Hojuelas de Miel beekeeping association, the situation deteriorated dramatically in early 2022 when unprecedented rainfall confined bees to their hives, resulting in starvation. In response to these challenges, Villalobos and fourteen other beekeepers sought financial assistance through the Avanzar Rural program, an initiative established by the Peruvian government in conjunction with the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support small-scale producers facing climate vulnerabilities. After navigating the complexities associated with securing funding amidst urgent needs, they ultimately received a grant of $27,000. During the interim, however, they confronted potential devastation as the life of their hives hung in the balance. Addressing the immediate threat to their bees, the beekeepers adapted their strategies, which included supplementing their bees’ diets with a nutritious syrup of sugar and vitamins. Furthermore, they endeavored to future-proof their operations by planting hardy native flora resilient to fluctuating climatic conditions. These strategic measures aimed to cultivate a more stable and enriched habitat for their bees. Statistics reveal a concerning trend: less than 2 percent of global climate finance reaches rural communities, particularly impacting small-scale farmers and Indigenous groups. Villalobos noted the additional barriers faced by women, who often lack ownership over land, complicating their access to financial support. The Avanzar Rural program has successfully financed 1,031 small businesses across Peru over the past four years, directly benefiting 17,557 individuals. With significant contributions from IFAD and the Peruvian state, the beekeeping association has grown to operate 89 hives and generate approximately $13,000 annually. Villalobos expressed pride in their accomplishments, stating, “Today we are empowered and resilient women.”
The article focuses on the successful integration of climate financing to support women beekeepers in Peru, illustrating how such funding can engender resilience in communities directly affected by climate change. It emphasizes the broader context of climate finance, particularly the disproportionate allocation of funds away from rural and vulnerable populations, especially women. By exploring the hurdles these women face—including land ownership issues and climate-related adversities—the article provides insight into the obstacles that small-scale agricultural producers must navigate. Furthermore, it showcases a model of community-driven adaptation strategies that can foster sustainable livelihoods.
The initiatives undertaken by the women beekeepers of Chilal de la Merced exemplify the positive impact of targeted climate funding in enhancing community resilience against climate change. Their adaptability not only salvaged their livelihoods but also set an inspiring precedent for other vulnerable populations worldwide. By fortifying local food systems and empowering women, sustainable development can be advanced in tandem with climate resilience, demonstrating the transformative potential of international support for grassroots initiatives.
Original Source: www.france24.com
