In the cashew-growing regions of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, a quiet transformation is taking place. What started as a small pilot program to support cashew farmers through sustainable beekeeping has now grown into a thriving, multi-country initiative. As we wrap up our fourth year on the ground, we're seeing stronger farmer livelihoods, healthier ecosystems, and a growing community of empowered smallholder farmers.
Beekeeping offers a unique opportunity for cashew farmers. Not only does it provide an additional income stream through honey sales, but it also promotes biodiversity and helps improve cashew yields through natural pollination. At Red River Foods, we believe in building resilience at the farm level - and apiculture has proven to be a powerful tool in achieving that.
2024 marked a major milestone: the program officially expanded from Ghana into Côte d’Ivoire. Forty farmers from the communities of Pli-Akakro and Akomiakro joined the initiative, receiving intensive training and equipment to begin their beekeeping journey. Meanwhile, in Ghana, our presence deepened in Agosa and Bonkwae with 20 new farmers joining our existing cohorts.
Across both countries, farmers received full beekeeping kits, including protective gear, hive tools, and modern hives (Kenyan top-bar in Ghana, Langstroth in Côte d’Ivoire). Through hands-on workshops and ongoing mentorship, they learned to manage their hives, mitigate pests, and create the right conditions for bee colonization.
To date, 180 new hives were installed and 60 farmers trained in this cycle. Colonization rates are holding strong at around 75%, a promising number given the delayed rainy season, which temporarily slowed bee activity.
In Ghana alone, farmers in Agosa and Bonkwae harvested nearly 1,900 liters of honey, generating an estimated $8,700 in additional income. Our longtime master beekeeping collaborator, Stephen, helped manage additional hives across the region that produced over 13,700 liters - bringing in more than $64,000 for participating farmers.
"This support means more to me than words can fully express. It has strengthened my belief in the power of regenerative work and shown me what’s possible when vision meets action and support. Thank you for investing in a dream that empowers not only a business, but an entire community." - Stephen Adu, Master Beekeeper
In June 2025, our team in Ghana hosted an end-of-season gathering in Agosa and Bonkwae. As farmers shared their stories, the true impact of the initiative came into focus. One participant spoke about using honey income to send a child to university. Another had built a new home. Others invested in expanding their cashew farms. These aren’t just financial wins, they’re stories of resilience, hope, and progress.
Of course, challenges remain. Weather patterns continue to shift, and hive colonization success varies by site. But every challenge is also an opportunity to improve. Regular monitoring, individualized farmer support, and adaptive strategies, like pest control using clay and water barriers, remain key to long-term success.
In the coming year, we’re focused on:
Our vision is clear: create a lasting, scalable model for integrating sustainable beekeeping into cashew farming systems, one that works for both people and the planet.
The progress we’ve seen in this program is a testament to what’s possible when we partner with local leaders, empower farmers, and take a long-term view.
Learn more about our initiatives and how partnering with us can support these efforts, helping farmers thrive while advancing sustainability on a global scale.