ACRUDEV

Active Centre for Rural Development (ACRUDEV) alleviates extreme poverty in rural Ghana through beekeeping training for community-based groups and assists them set-up a community demonstration apiaries. With the Giving Joy grant, ACRUDEV implemented a livelihood empowerment project targeting 15 disadvantaged young women from Santrokofi Gbodome-community. Project activities included: acquisition of beekeeping equipment and tools for practice at demonstration sites; training 15 women on appropriate beekeeping and apiary management; and setting up a 20 hive apiary.

During project implementation, the price of beehive equipment increased by over 45% (due to a 17.3% inflation rate in Ghana) - raising costs above the total grant amount. In response, ACRUDEV Board of Director members collected additional funds to fill the gap between grant monies and expenses and were able to complete the project! AMAZING!

Apart from the knowledge and skills gained from the training, beneficiaries also developed the feeling of togetherness, sharing and working towards a common goal. The training also built participant confidence to the extent that they are now better placed and more able to express themselves on key project activities.