KILIFI County—Jan 20, 2026—Farmers in Mnarani Ward, Kilifi County, have adopted beekeeping as an alternative livelihood in response to the growing impacts of climate change that have undermined traditional maize farming.
The shift follows prolonged periods of low rainfall that have left many small-scale farmers with poor harvests and deepened poverty levels in the area.
According to Mnarani Ward Representative Juma Chengo, the move to beekeeping is aimed at building climate resilience and improving household incomes, noting that the activity requires minimal water, is drought-tolerant and environmentally friendly.
“Farmers have continued to struggle due to unreliable rainfall, but beekeeping offers a sustainable option that is not affected by drought and does not degrade the environment,” Chengo said.
Kilifi County Agriculture Executive Committee Member Paterson Chula said more than 600 farmers in the ward have benefited from the distribution of 250 beehives as part of the county’s climate-smart agriculture programme.
He added that honey prices have continued to rise, making the venture commercially attractive for farmers.
Chengo further noted that the initiative is expected to generate additional social benefits, particularly improved child nutrition, following a county government plan to purchase locally produced honey for use in porridge prepared for children in public early childhood development centres.
Residents, including Irene Kitsao Zawadi and Augustus Mzungu from Timboni village in Mnarani Ward, welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the project would improve both their economic status and health outcomes.
Kilifi County is among 11 counties classified as highly vulnerable to drought. As climate shocks become more frequent, farmers across the county are increasingly embracing alternative agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of recurring dry spells.
