Onano John is a bee farmer who got her start after attending a series of training workshops offered by Oxfam partner, New Guinea Fruit Company Ltd. The mother of three young children jumped at the opportunity to learn new ways of earning an income. “I attended three trainings but I had no bee hives so Sally [Managing Director of New Guinea Fruit] saw that I was interested so she gave me a box which started me off,” recalls Onano.

“I was excited when I got the box. I took it home, made a stand for my first hive. I bought my veil, smoker, hive tool. Every morning and afternoon, I would check that one hive. When I saw that there were many bees and were going to produce honey, I bought another box, wax, spray. I was excited about farming bees.”

Onano’s hard work and dedication paid off and soon she was earning enough from her harvest to employ her husband, send her children to school and save for a more substantial farm.

“I am very happy with New Guinea Fruit Company because the company gave me that one box, which I looked after and grew fast my bee farming. I earned a huge income from the sale of honey. I’m happy because that money helped me and my family.”