A photo of Laila’s beekeeping farm hive. @FAO/NAC

In the quiet district of Nahr-e-Shahi, Balkh province, Laila’s life was marked by challenges. As a widowed mother of three, she faced relentless financial struggles after her husband passed away two years ago. Her eldest son migrated to Iran in search of work, her second son suffered from a heart condition, and her youngest earned a modest income selling fruits and vegetables. Despite working in nearby households, Laila found it difficult to provide food and clothing for her children.

Her turning point came when an announcement from the village mosque invited women to join a beekeeping initiative. Intrigued, she decided to participate, unaware of how transformative this opportunity would be. Selected for the programme implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC) under the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), Laila received the tools and training to embark on a new journey.

The project aimed to empower vulnerable, women-headed households by improving food security and livelihoods. Laila was provided with five beehives, essential beekeeping supplies, honey extraction equipment, and comprehensive training in hive management, honey production, disease control, and marketing. With newfound knowledge and tools, Laila saw a glimmer of hope for a better future.

“When I harvested my first batch of honey and sold it for 900 Afghanis per kilogram, I felt so proud,” Laila shares. Selling eight kilograms of honey in her village earned her 7 200 Afghanis (USD 105), enabling her to cover her family’s basic needs. Her success created a ripple effect, inspiring other women in the community to explore beekeeping as a means of improving their lives.

Laila’s aspirations continue to grow. Determined to expand her business, she plans to increase her hives to 10 and enhance her honey production. She is also keen on learning more about child nutrition to ensure her family’s health and well-being.

Her story exemplifies the transformative power of FAO’s initiatives. Laila is one of 150 women in Balkh and Faryab provinces who have achieved financial independence through agricultural activities like beekeeping.

In 2023, FAO, with STFA’s support, assisted 32 000 vulnerable households through programmes such as livestock protection, backyard poultry farming, home gardening, and beekeeping. Building on this success, FAO aims to reach 46 000 families in 2024, fostering food security and resilience across Afghanistan's regions.

Laila’s journey is not just about honey-it’s a story of hope, empowerment, and the boundless possibilities of a brighter future.