credit and enterprise development program report 2010-2013 for university of st thomas social...
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PROJECT REPORT
Credit&EnterpriseDevelopment(CED)forWomenBeekeepersofNorthernPakistan
December 2013
Contents
Acronyms
Project Summary
Hashoo Foundation Overview
Background
Mountain Honey
Awards and Recognitions
Project Overview
Objectives
Goal
Implementation Strategy
Steps
Overview of the Offshoots for Years 2010-2013
Plan Bee Devastated by the Floods
Distribution of New Beehives
Phase 2
Phase 3
Impact UST SEP Credit & Enterprise Development Program
Outcomes
Challenges Faced
Mitigating Strategy
Conclusion
Organizational Structure and Capacity
CON T EN T S
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3
4
5
6
10
11
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12
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14
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2
ACRONYMS
Credit and Enterprise Development
Enterprise Development Program
Hashoo Foundation
Gilgit-Baltistan
International Standard Organization
Memorandum of Understanding
Non-Governmental Organization
Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
Revolving Micro Credit Loan
University of St. Thomas Social Entrepreneurship Program
CBD
EDP
HF
GB
ISO
MoU
NGO
PCSIR
RMCL
UST SEP
3
P RO J EC TS UMMARY
PROJECT TITLE
IMPLEMENTING PARTNER
FUNDED BY
AREA OF IMPLEMENTATION
TOTAL DIRECT BENEFICIARIES
TOTAL INDIRECT BENEFICIARIES
OVERALL MANAGEMENT
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
PROJECT MANAGER
IMPLEMENTING TEAM
PROJECT DURATION
PROJECT BUDGET
FUNDS RECEIVED
FUNDS PENDING
COUNTRY
Credit and Enterprise Development (CED) for Women
Beekeepers of Northern Pakistan
Hashoo Foundation
University of Saint Thomas Social Entrepreneurship
Program (UST SEP)
Oshikhandass, Danyore, Mohd Abad, Mominabad in
District Hunza and Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
100 women
800 family members out of which 250 children are
expected to have access to education
Ali Akbar, Country Director, HF-Pakistan
Aqeel Nawaz Khan, Director- Programs, HF- Pakistan
Cristal Montañéz Baylor, Executive Director, HF-USA
Kamal Uddin
BJ Shams & HF-Gilgit Team
Three years (January 2010- December 2013)
Extended until completion
US $20,000
US $13,000
US $7,000
Pakistan
4
Hashoo Foundation’s vision is of an ethical, equitable, inclusive and progressive
society in which people live with dignity and have power over their own lives.
Mission
Values
Core Programmatic Areas
Hashoo Foundation’s mission is to enable and empower communities to be
independent by facilitating equitable access to opportunities, through programs
in four Core Programmatic Areas: economic development, education and skills
development, supporting people with special needs, and providing emergency
relief and social welfare.
The Hashoo Foundation is influenced by the Hashoo family’s philosophy, and
draws on the values of equity; inclusivity, transparency, innovation, integrity,
respect and fulfillment.
The Hashoo Foundation works through direct delivery of services, and creating active
partnerships. We believe that developments of programs are long-term investment.
We recognize that it may take years - and sometimes decades - to achieve significant
positive changes in social indicators. The Hashoo Foundation’s long term work
covers four main core program areas:
1. Economic Development
2. Education
3. Skills development
4. Humanitarian Assistance & Emergency Relief
Vision
Hashoo Foundation (HF) is a progressive and dynamic non-profit organization,
leading the way in human development and poverty alleviation by implementing viable
economic development, educational and capacity-building programs in Pakistan since
1988. The Foundation is also focused on the needs of special children and provides
care and support services to the less privileged and vulnerable members of society.
5
B ACKGROUND
The Hashoo Foundation is committed to long term human development and the
creation of a sustainable environment to help facilitate economic empowerment of
people in the remote areas of Pakistan, especially when it is possible to mobilize
women in projects that generate income and assist them, and their families.
The Women Empowerment through Honey Bee Farming Project “Plan Bee” was
initiated by the Hashoo Foundation to empower women in the remote areas of
Northern Pakistan by expanding employment opportunities and generating a
stable source of income through the sale of high-quality honey. The project was
originally proposed by Ms. Sarah Hashwani, an alumnus of the University of
St. Thomas and chairperson of the Hashoo Foundation, as a practical way to
address the discrepancy between male and female beekeepers by educating the
women beekeepers and linking them to profitable markets.
This unique economic development activity was implemented in the rugged,
mountainous region of Pakistan, where income-generating opportunities,
especially for women, are rare. In addition, this area has high levels of poverty
and illiteracy, which makes for a fertile ground for extremism and militancy.
The proposed Credit and Enterprise Development (CED) for Women Beekeepers of
Northern Pakistan project falls under the economic development sector of the core
programs, but also utilizes the expertise gained from implementing various skills
development activities and leads to children’s education.
Registration and Accreditation
Operating throughout Pakistan, the Hashoo Foundation is expanding globally. The
Foundation holds valid registration and accreditation:
6
Pakistan - Registered under Trust Act 1882 Registration No 661 Sub-Registrar T-Div II Karachi dated 16/07/1988.- Certificate by the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy No: PCP-RI/2006/17.- Exempted from Taxes with approval by CBR under SRO 169(1)/2005 notified/published in Gazette of Pakistan dated 15/02/2005 under clause (3) of clause (58).- External Auditors/Chartered Accountants: KPMG (Tahsir Hadi Chartered Accountants). USA- Certified in the USA as 501(c) 3 non-profit organization non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code tax identification number 20-0748173.UK- Certified vide Charity Commission 1116314.
The project started in Gilgit-Baltistan in early 2007 with the social mobilization of
the beekeepers, mainly women, in an effort to form active viable associations.
These associations were responsible for assisting the beekeepers with beehive
management and honey extraction process. It was soon observed that training
in modern beekeeping practices was needed and also guidance in the hygienic
packaging of their pure mountain honey. The lifestyle of the beneficiaries changed. They shifted from traditional house
chores to being involved in many technical aspects of honey bee farming
(extraction, harvesting, etc.); based on field observation, female beekeepers
have increased their productivity from 16 to 18 kg/ year/beehive (35.2 to 39.6
lbs/year/beehive). They are also involved in the production of bee wax and
pollen as a by-product, albeit still marginal. Their production is sold both in
and outside local markets. In a BBC World Challenge documentary, the women
beekeepers and beneficiaries revealed that they have gained skills which
allowed them to supplement their income and better provide for their families.
Also, they now feel more socially integrated in a male dominated society.
They also felt that their children received better nutrition and education. They
purchased new clothes and could afford small luxuries such as a TV set. They
spent their additional income on education (60%); health (10%) and food (30%).
7
With the improved training and increased honey supply, marketing became another
challenge. Hashoo Foundation, with the support of its marketing network and the
Hashoo Group of Hotels, supported the women honey beekeepers by creating different
packaging designs and branding the product.
Today, more than 981 rural beekeepers have been given training in beekeeping and
value chain development with an impact on more than 7,848 dependents. Courses
that are taught in the local languages cover all aspects of beekeeping, including
hive management, the extraction process, hygienic packaging, and transportation of
beehives, logistics and marketing.
Hashoo Foundation believes strong partnership will help in meeting organizational
goal. Hashoo Foundation has partnerships with public and private organizations in
Pakistan, USA and other countries. Hashoo Foundation continues to build bridges
with innovative and dynamic partners and is currently working in Pakistan with:
USAID, EU-DIPECHO, Reach Out To Asia, US State Department Bureau of Population,
Refugees, and Migration (BPRM), Church World Service (CWS), GTZ International
Cooperation Enterprise for Sustainable Development, United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime (UNODC), International Labor Organization (ILO), United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF, Citizenship Network Foreign Affairs
(CNFA), HOPE’87 Austrian Development Agency, Austrian Development Agency (ADA),
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA), Small Grants and Ambassador’s
Fund Program (SGAFP), Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) and
Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF), among other agencies. 8
In the USA, Hashoo Foundation works in partnership with Chapelwood Foundation,
Medical Bridges, Walmart Foundation, Rotary Books for the World Program, The
Second Wind Foundation, Angels in Cowboy Boots, University of St. Thomas Social
Entrepreneurship Program (UST SEP), Rice University Micro Finance (RMF), Micro
Finance Initiave University of Houston (MFi UH), Klein Forest High School PISA,
Sharpstown High School Senior Capstone Program, Lee High School Interact Club,
Awty School, other organizations, and individuals,
Hashoo Foundation has demonstrated:
- Ability to properly utilize and account for project funds.
- Ability and competence in project management/implementation.
- Commitment to achieving the donor and project goals.
- Professional approach to managing, monitoring and reporting project activities.
- Expressed willingness to work with government and other partners in the project.
- Solid on-site management Team dedicated to building the local capacity.
- Proven interest in achieving the project goals and achieving sustainability.
9
Key Achievements in Honey Bee Farming
“Plan Bee” project started in the Gilgit-Baltistan region with just 50 women in 2007.
To date, the project has expanded its reach and impact to the Chitral, Hunza,
Ghizer, Skardu and Mansehra in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, and has achieved
some significant milestones:
- 981 women trained in honey bee farming and value chain development.
- 3,600 beehives and 981 set of production kits distributed.
- 65,000 kg of honey produced and sold between 2007- 2013.
- 7,848 dependents obtained better nutrition, health and education.
- 1,300 girls and boys are now attending school as a result of this project.
- 44% of the women have managed to expand their
honey bee farming business.
- 35% increase in women’s household income.
- 60% of their income from honey bee farming spent
on the education of their children.
- 10% spent on better nutrition for their families.
- 30% spent on healthcare expenses.
- Increased women’s role in decision making.
- Decreased dependency on males.
- Promotion in collective decisions in the community.
The project has been a source of constant learning and these lessons are helping
us regularly improve the quality of “Plan Bee” project. Major lesson learned from
this initiative include:
- The communities are willing to take charge of their own development, but
they need awareness, mobilization, technical and financial support.
- Value chain approach is extremely important for every business venture or
enterprise, therefore, understanding and strengthening the value chain has
to be an integral part of such a project.
- Initially, beekeepers were working independently which not only increased
their transportation cost during shifting of beehives but also added to the
risk of damaging the beehives.
- Establishment and strengthening of women business groups has proved to
be good addition that has helped to improve the success of this enterprise.
- Availability of flora and fauna was another key factor for the project’s
success to date.
- The project was totally women-focused, which in the initial stages proved to
be a problem as it was very difficult for women to manage their honey bee
farming due to cultural hindrances. However, HF was able to overcome
these hindrances through sustained mobilization of the community and with
visible increase in income to a point where it is now an accepted norm for
women to be engaged in such activities.
- Honey bee farming is very sensitive and risky business where production of
honey is dependent on weather conditions, health of the bees and their
number in each beehive and the fauna and flora.
- Selection process of the trainees is very crucial and important. HF
experience shows that all who show an initial willingness to start honey
business are not always able to follow through on their initial willingness.
Hence only those who are genuinely interested should be taken on board.
The Northern Areas and Chitral of Pakistan are clean and environmentally
pure. The climate and flora of these two areas are ideally suited for honey
bee farming. The abundance of Rubinia and Russian olive trees make these
valleys an ideal place for honey production. Its products are free from all
kinds of insecticides, pesticides and other chemicals thus giving honey a
rich and natural taste. Such product purity is rare in the world so there is an
enormous potential for promoting and marketing mountain honey in both the
national and international markets.
MOUN TA I NHON E Y
Key Lessons Learned During Project Implementation
10
AWARDS&R E COGN I T I O N S
In 2008, Hashoo Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment through Honey Bee
Farming Project “Plan Bee” won BBC World Challenge Award among 700
organizations. This is the first time a development project owned by an NGO
from Pakistan has won this global competition. As a result, honey bee farming
has become a popular micro enterprise and an important factor for economic
sustainability among disadvantaged people in the mountainous areas of
Pakistan. In 2007, the Women Empowerment through Honey Bee Farming project
was featured and highlighted during the poverty alleviation session at the 2007
Clinton Global Initiative. Additionally, the project was selected among more than
1200 organizations as a “Featured Commitment” on the Clinton Global Initiative
(CGI) website during its 2008 Annual Meeting.
In 2010, TEDx Houston/TED Talks published a video on “Plan Bee”. In 2012, the
City of Houston presented Hashoo Foundation USA with the Jefferson Award
for providing students in Houston with the opportunity to engage in sustainable
economic as a tool to empower communities and alleviate poverty.
CR ED I T&E N T E R P R I S ED E V E LO PMEN T( C E D )
P RO J E C TO V E R V I EW
Building upon Chairperson Sarah Hashwani’s vision for Women Empowerment
through Honey Bee Farming Project “Plan Bee,” Hashoo Foundation USA,
under the leadership of Cristal Montañéz Baylor, Executive Director, established
a partnership with the University of Saint Thomas Social Entrepreneurship
Program (UST SEP), former Micro Credit Program (UST MCP). A Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) was signed August 27, 2009 for a three year commitment
beginning in January 2010 and ending in December 2013. UST SEP committed
to allocate $20,000 in Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) to 100 women
beekeepers to support the expansion of the Women Empowerment through Honey
Bee Farming Project “Plan Bee”- in terms of scale as well as geographic coverage.
The honey is presently sold by the five-star hotels (Marriott, Serena and Pearl
Continental Hotels), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), grocery stores (D.
Dalton, Shaheen, Canteen Supply Department), retail markets and Embassies
and Ministries throughout Pakistan.
The production of honey is still insufficient to generate income large enough to be
re-invested in the community by investing in services. However, on an individual
basis, the female producers have been able to increase their investment in
services for their families, such as health, education and nutrition.
OB J EC T I V E S
The proposed CED Project for Women Beekeepers of Northern Pakistan has three
broad objectives:
1. Extend the number of beneficiaries of women beekeepers by adding 100
new women from the target communities of Northern Pakistan including
Gilgit and Chitral over a period of 3 years (January 2010-December 2013).
2. Develop an integrated model of Credit and Enterprise Development
deploying improved techniques in honey production translated into better
standards and long-term business sustainability for the beneficiaries of the
project and to promote and replicate this model in other regions of Pakistan.
3. Enable the students of UST SEP to learn through their exposure visits
related to the CED program, and gain firsthand experience of the effects
of UST SEP while confronting the possible challenges this new form of
economic activity may bring to the target communities. The projected outcome of this project was to develop a CED program that
demonstrated a workable model in collaboration with UST SEP. This model
also facilitated UST SEP students to learn various approaches and institutional
mechanism for socio-economic development by making use of Revolving Micro
Credit Loans (RMCL) as a tool for poverty alleviation.
12
In collaboration with University of Saint Thomas Social Entrepreneurship Program
(UST SEP), with a new added component of Revolving Micro Credit Loans
(RMCL), the proposed project on Credit and Enterprise Development (CED) will
help mobilize and organize communities into workable cluster based groups,
increase the outreach and productivity, provide training in bee farming ensuring
quality honey through improved processing facilities and related infrastructure,
and facilitate market linkages for the sale of honey at higher competitive prices.
GOA L
The original goal of the CED project was to deploy 100 women beneficiaries in
honey bee farming during a period of three years. The project provided a long
term, sustainable means through Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) of $20,000
expanding the project with gradual increase up to 100 women headed households
and their estimated 800 dependents in three phases as described below. The women
were selected on the basis of baseline surveys administered by Hashoo Foundation.
This initiative not only helped the foundation launch a pilot Credit and Enterprise
Development project for honey bee farming but also enabled HF to take a
step forward towards implementation of two of the United Nations Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs):
- Promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women.
- Education.
Phase 1
UST SEP committed to provide $10,000 in November 2009 for the first phase of the
CED program. After completing the first cycle of UST MCP loans to 20 women in
2010, the outreach will expand to another20 beneficiaries with the same loan amount
of $500 per woman.Total beneficiaries will be 40 women.
UST SEP committed to $10,000 in November 2010 for the second phase of
the CED program. After completing the first cycle of UST MCP loans from the
revolving fund provided under second phase to 20 women in the year (2010-
2011), the outreach will expand to another 20 beneficiaries with the same loan
amount of $500 per woman. The total beneficiaries in Phase 1 and Phase 2
will be 80 women.
Phase 2
Considering the loans from Phase 1 are returned 100%, then an additional
20 women will receive loans of $500. Thereby, total beneficiaries will be 100
women by the end of the third year.
Providing a solid base with Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) will help
extend/replicate outreach of the program on a continual basis -with loan loss
provision of 5 to 10% paid by the borrowers- through improved technological
support, community mobilization, marketing linkages and networking resulting
in higher production of quality honey supplemented with consistent sales
through outlets inland as well as overseas whenever and wherever possible.
Each $500 RMCL will provide training in beekeeping, five (5) beehives, and
the basic equipment a new beekeeper needs to initiate her own enterprise,
including bee-suit, beekeeping gloves, bee smoker, hive tool, bee brush,
uncapping knife, wax pan. The program will benefit and impact the lives of an
estimated 800 dependents.
Phase 3
13
I M P L EMEN TAT I O NS T R AT EG Y
Building on the success of Women Empowerment through Honey Bee Farming
Project “Plan Bee,” the proposed Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) helped
expand and/or replicate the model by increasing the number of trained women,
increasing honey production, promoting better use of technology, extending sales
and marketing, developing networking and linkages in and outside the country,
thus promoting economic enterprise as a way to help alleviate poverty.
Partnership of UST MCP with HF was based on a resource sharing approach.
RMCL was provided by UST MCP and implemented by HF-CED through
its regional offices in Gilgit, Chitral and Mansehra. The infrastructure for
implementation of the project and technical support was provided by HF’s core
office established in Islamabad.
S T E P STA K ENT OI M P L EMEN TT H EP RO J E C T
Mobilization and Baseline Assessment
As Hashoo Foundation had existing beneficiaries in Gilgit-Baltistan, a comprehensive
assessment was performed to ensure that the target area selected was the most
suitable for this intervention. The community and LSO’s were involved in each step of
the way in this process. The reasons for this exercise were to ensure that:
- There was no duplication or overlapping in the project area.
- Check if the motivational levels of the community were still high.
- Assess the selection of the village for new women honey beekeepers.
Selection of Beneficiaries
The potential beneficiaries of the project were rural women who gained social and
economic empowerment that enabled them to improve their children’s education and
increase the amount of productive assets at home.
The following factors were considered:
- Recommended by Local Support Organizations (LSOs)
- Potential in the area for honey bee farming production.
- Level of motivation among potential beneficiaries.
Development of Training Material
The Hashoo Foundation team applied its experience and and understanding of the
needs of the communities to design training material to improve the honey production
for new farmers. It also developed Honey Bee farming manuals and value chain
development manuals for distribution amongst the trainees.14
Training and Capacity Building
Master trainer was hired and training in the project area was conducted. The honey
bee farming training duration was 1 week and the duration of the value chain
development was 3 days. Each trainee underwent a 1 honey bee farming training
session and 1 value chain development training session.
Procurement and Distribution of Beehives and Kits
200 beehives and production kits were procured and distributed among 40 women
beekeepers from 2010-2013 after completion of Honey Bee farming and value chain
development training.
Evaluation of Production / Income & Shifting Honey to Is -lamabad
3,000 kg (6,600 lbs) of raw honey was collected from the beekeepers and
transported to Islamabad for further processing, packaging and marketing.
Support in Marketing
Using its existing market linkages, HF sold the procured honey to Hashoo Group
Hotels, Serena Hotel, recognized bakeries and foreign embassies through its Core
Office in Islamabad.
HF regional team purchased raw honey from the beneficiaries and payment made
at the door step of the beneficiaries. Once honey is purchased and collected, all the
raw honey transported to Islamabad for further processing and packaging of the
honey. HF signed an agreement with Club Foods for the processing and packaging
of the honey. Therefore, Club Foods processed and packaged the honey and
delivered to HF for further marketing and sale.
Technical Assistance and Monitoring Visits
HF’s regional team continuously paid monitoring visits to beneficiaries and provided
technical assistance when and where required regarding modern techniques of
honey bee farming and value chain development.
Data Management
HF has well established Management Information System (MIS) section, which
serves as an internal data management system and reporting unit of the
organization. Beneficiaries’ data is already being punched in our MIS and the
project reports are in process of getting updated. 15
Project Reporting
HF submitted annual progress reports for UST SEP in the month of December each
year. HF also tracked the project activities on a monthly basis with the help of Activity
Tracking Matrices (ATM) for internal reporting
S T E P ST OWARDSS U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
An integrated approach was designed to move towards self-sufficiency especially
at operational level. Proper procedures, policies, human resources and information
system were designed to benefit successful implementation of the project.
In order to ensure effective monitoring of CED program, the following indicators were
reviewed consistently:
- Disbursement targets.
- Access (outreach)/Coverage.
- Financial, Human and Organizational resources.
- Productivity and efficiency.
- Cost coverage (operational loan losses 5 to 10 % default) of cost of funds,
service charges @ 5% to be recovered from borrowers of microcredit/profits).
Honey bee farming is a lucrative income generating enterprise in the project
areas. The environment in terms of natural and manmade flora is in abundance
and available for more than ten months of the year. It is a culturally and socially
accepted activity for women in this region. The immediate earnings from the beehives
within three to four months are other important factors that contribute to economic
sustainability of the beneficiaries. Bees are useful transmitters of pollens that help
increase production of fruits, vegetables, grains and other food items. All the above
factors enable the women to provide good food for their families, education and
health care to the children.
Honey is considered as a natural gift in terms of food and medicine. It is used
for gaining energy and healing of different diseases. Currently the demand is
outweighing the supply in manifolds. On an average one beehive produces 18 to
22 kg (39.90 lbs -48.40 lbs) of honey in a year. Our experience showed that the
beekeepers who have added at least one more beehive every year greatly increased
their production and income. This income is in addition to the family’s regular income
and is an important factor for financial sustainability of the beneficiaries.
Sustainability was ensured through improved honey bee production, technical
assistance and value addition, along with linkages with markets for profitable sale of
the product provided by HF offices.
16
Institutional Sustainability
In a village the households act as an institution and in beekeeping business these
households make associations of beekeepers, honey business groups, traders,
suppliers and retailers. Honey contributes its value in terms of money and provides
an environment of team building, community participation and joint decision-making
process. There are regular gatherings of beekeepers, suppliers and retailers at the
village level, an important factor in sustaining an atmosphere of social mobilization
where voices are shared and decisions are made in a participatory way. These
consultative and participatory activities are the foundation of institutional sustainability.
Socio-Cultural/Civil Society Sustainability
Honey beekeeping is a model of civil society micro-enterprise development.
Beekeepers know the way bees are organized and have specific role to play in
producing honey. With a clear understanding of the team work, specific tasks to
achieve a desirable results and participating in the tasks can lead to an organized
society among the people particularly women and other partners like shop keepers,
traders and suppliers. Beekeepers can play an important role in creating an enabling
environment in the society and can help to create diversity and tolerance, which are
the milestones of a civil society.
Beekeeping is a value chain process from the input of families, technology in terms
of equipment and training, to the output in terms of trained women or men through
ministries, teaching institutions and national and international organization.
There are a very few products where such a value chain is involved in production
like honey. This value chain promotes socio-cultural and civil society sustainability
The honey produced was purchased/collected and, packaging and labeling was
done by the Marketing Department of Hashoo Foundation based in Islamabad.
Hashoo Foundation’s ability to connect the producers to the market through a network
of 5 stars-hotels, grocery stores and other markets is what makes this project one of
the most effective economic empowerment projects in Northern Pakistan.
17
18
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Phase 1
Phase 1 of the CED was initiated during the spring of 2010. Under this program, the
Hashoo Foundation distributed and administered the provision of $10,000 in Revolving
Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) to 20 women beekeepers. A total of 100 beehives and
20 production kits were purchased. The ultimate objective was to improve the socio-
economic conditions of the marginalized women of the Gilgit- Baltistan.
1919
P L ANB E ED E VA S TAT E DB YT H EF L OODS
In 2010, Pakistan was devastated by the worst floods in its history affecting more
than 22 million people all over the country. The devastating floods and monsoon rains
affected the entire beekeeping community in Gilgit, Hunza-Nagar, Ghizer, Chitral
and Kalash Valley and disrupted the livelihoods of the beekeepers as their beehives
were washed away or damaged beyond repair. The devastation had a major impact
on the future of these farmers, as a holder of 3 beehives can earn up to Rs. 25,000
($300.00) producing up to 45 kg (99 lbs) of honey annually.
After conducting a post flood evaluation, HF found the following:
- All 20 beneficiaries of the CED program were directly or indirectly affected
and suffered due to the unprecedented disaster leaving 4 beekeepers and
their families homeless.
- 96 beehives of the 100 beehives distributed were damaged.
- The estimated cost to replace the damaged beehives was US $10,176
- With the exception of initial three weeks of March-April 2010, there was no
honey production from October 2010–March 2011, due to continuous heavy
rains in all parts of Gilgit – Baltistan.20
Based on the devastation caused by this historical disaster and difficulties faced
by the affected beekeepers to repay their loans, HF requested UST SEP to consider
forgiving the beekeepers’ loans. Unfortunately, UST SEP doesn’t have a clause that
considers forgiveness of loans and/or any other means to help beneficiaries affected
by catastrophic disasters. Furthermore, consequently, in the midst of this tragedy,
some of the UST SEP beneficiaries borrowed money from other family members to
repay their loans getting deeper into debt.
On March 25, 2011, the University of St. Thomas Social Entrepreneurship Program
(SEP) held a benefit concert at The Artery Houston to raise funds for their CED Plan
Bee loan recipients suffering from the recent flood catastrophe in Pakistan. The event
was quite magical, as it gave the audience excellent entertainment all the while
raising awareness about the partnership between Hashoo Foundation and UST Social
Entrepreneurship Program.
21
The funds raised could not be given as a donation to their flood affected beekeepers
due to clauses in the SEP regulations that established that funds can only be
allocated as loans and not as donations. The SEP planning team was not aware of
the regulations when they organized the fundraising concert.
On November 11, 2012, UST SEP graciously agreed to extend the period for the
recovery of the loans, thus helping the beekeepers recover from their economic
losses. The original MoU was amended and both organizations, HF and UST SEP,
agree that the project shall continue for as long as needed and that the partners
fulfilled their obligations.
23
Students In The Us Helped Raise The Funds Needed To Replace Damaged Beehives
Students from various schools in the US helped raised the needed funds to provide
the UST SEP beneficiaries with new beehives, thus enabling the beekeepers to
resettle and recover from their economic losses.
In 2010-2011, HF managed to recover US $7,659 of the loans; however, due to the
status of the destruction in the affected areas, remaining amount of US $2,341 was
not recovered that year.
1 Farida Begum
2 Skim Bano
3 Bibi Naseem
4 Bibi Rashida
5 Bibi Amina
6 Shamim Ara
7 Soni
8 Husun Bano
9 Jubli Bano
10 Taj Mehal
11 Meher Parveen
12 Naik Bano
13 Taj bibi
14 Shahdana
15 Gul Amdam
16 Yasmeen Bano
17 Gul Zadi
18 Mahoot
19 Gul Sori
20 Shukrat bibi
Total
Sr# Name
UST SEP CED Loan Status 2010-2011
Village/Region RecoveredUS$
Oshikhandass, Gilgit
Oshikhandass, Gilgit
Oshikhandass, Gilgit
Oshikhandass, Gilgit
Danyore, Gilgit
Danyore, Gilgit
Danyore, Gilgit
Danyore, Gilgit
Danyore, Gilgit
Danyore, Gilgit
Mohd abad, Gilgit
Mohd abad, Gilgit
Mominabad, Hunza
Mominabad, Hunza
Mominabad, Hunza
Mominabad, Hunza
Mominabad, Hunza
Mominabad, Hunza
Mominabad, Hunza
Mominabad, Hunza
500
310
500
500
333
500
500
500
500
500
167
393
307
307
307
307
307
307
307
307
7,659
# of Hives
20
10
15
5
5
15
20
20
12
8
25
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
175
LoanUS$
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
10,000
OutstandingUS$
0
190
0
0
167
0
0
0
0
0
333
107
193
193
193
193
193
193
193
193
2,341
Summary CED Loan
# of
Beekeepers
20
Recovered
US$
7,659
Loans
Provided By
UST SEP
Loan
US$
10,000
Outstanding
US$
2,341
Recovered
%
77
Honey kg/lbs
160/352
80/176
120/264
40/88
40/88
120/264
160/352
160/352
96/211
64/141
200/440
32/70
16/35
16/35
16/35
16/35
16/35
16/35
16/35
16/35
1,400/3,078
IncomeUS$
1000
500
750
250
250
750
1000
1000
600
400
1250
200
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
8,750
Phase 2
In 2nd phase of the UST SEP, Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) of US $500 each
was distributed to 14 women beekeepers in 2012. Please note that by the time HF
initiated phase 2 of UST SEP, it had total of US $7,659 recovered from the first cycle.
HF reinvested only US$7,000 among 14 women beekeepers. The table below
shows the equal quantities of honey production and equal incomes earned by the
beneficiaries because in 2012, HF organized beekeepers into honey business groups
to make them stronger and more sustainable. 24
In 2012-2013, HF recovered US $5,093, outstanding amount is US $1,907.
1 Gul Meri
2 Hasina
3 Sahar Gul
4 Shehzadi Zahra
5 Mahi Parveen
6 Meher Bano
7 Nusrat Begum
8 Benazeer
9 BiBi Zainama
10 Shehzadi
11 Shamim Ara
12 Misree Bano
13 Shamsi Bano
14 Nazia Afzal
Total
Sr# Name
UST SEP CED Loan Status 2012
Village RecoveredUS$
Zulfiqarabad
Danyore
Danyore
Oshikhandass
Oshikhandass
Oshikhandass
Danyore
Mohdabad
Danyore
Mohdabad
Danyore
Danyore
Mohdabad
Danyore
500
500
263
438
0
0
288
500
335
500
500
450
450
369
5,093
# of Hives
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
70
LoanUS$
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
7,000
OutstandingUS$
0
0
237
62
500
500
212
0
165
0
0
50
50
131
1,907
Honey kg/lbs
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
1,120/2,464
IncomeUS$
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
7,000
Children in School
5
5
2
2
3
5
4
1
5
3
2
5
4
4
50
25
Therefore, all the production and earned income was equally distributed among
the 14 women beekeepers. Remaining US$ 659 are kept in bank, the reason being
HF had opened separate account for UST SEP and it was mandatory to keep some
amount in the account at all times.
Phase 3
During the 3rd phase of the project, HF received amount of US $3,000 from UST SEP
in January 2013. This amount was distributed among a total of 6 women out of which,
US $175 remains unrecovered. The remaining amount shall be recovered by the
production season of 2014.
Note: The $3,000 is part of the additional $10,000 committed by UST SEP. $7,000
remained pending.
1 Shamim Bano
2 Jamila
3 Shahida Numa
4 Sar Bano
5 Nihat BiBi
6 Misree
Total
Sr# Name
UST SEP CED Loan Status 2013
Village RecoveredUS$
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
325
500
500
500
500
500
2,825
# of Hives
5
5
5
5
5
5
30
LoanUS$
500
500
500
500
500
500
3,000
OutstandingUS$
175
0
0
0
0
0
175
Honey kg/lbs
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
80/176
480/1056
IncomeUS$
500
500
500
500
500
500
3,000
Children in School
4
3
6
3
6
4
26
26
I M PAC TU S TS E PC R E D I T&E N T E R P R I S ED E V E LO PMEN TP ROGRAM
- 40 women were provided with the loan to empower themselves for better living.
- 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs) of honey was produced since the inception of project.
- US $18,750 was earned by the beneficiaries during the lifetime of the project.
- 152 children got access to quality education.
- Household income was increased by 39% by the end of 2013.
- 40 women and 320 of their dependents benefitted.
- Women beneficiaries were linked with Northern Honey Bee Association (NHBA).
- The project increased women empowerment in terms of decision making in
their everyday lives.
- Socio-economic status of the beneficiaries improved at a noticeable level.
1 Gul Meri
2 Hasina
3 Sahar Gul
4 Shehzadi Zahra
5 Mahi Parveen
6 Meher Bano
7 Nusrat Begum
8 Benazeer
9 Bi Bi Zainama
10 Shehzadi
11 Shamim Ara
12 Misree Bano
13 Shamsi Bano
14 Nazia Afzal
15 Shamim Bano
16 Jamila
17 Shahida Numa
18 Sar Bano
19 Nihat Bi Bi
20 Misree
Total
Sr# Name
UST SEP CED RMCL Consolidated 2012-2013 Loan Status (DECEMBER 31, 2013)
Village RecoveredUS$
Zulfiqarabad
Danyore
Danyore
Oshikhandass
Oshikhandass
Oshikhandass
Danyore
Mohdabad
Danyore
Mohdabad
Danyore
Danyore
Mohdabad
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
Danyore
500
500
263
438
0
0
288
500
335
500
500
450
450
369
325
500
500
500
500
500
7,918
# of Hives
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
70
LoanUS$
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
10,000
OutstandingUS$
0
0
237
62
500
500
212
0
165
0
0
50
50
131
175
0
0
0
0
0
2,082
Honey kg/lbs
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
1,600
IncomeUS$
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
500
7,000
Children in School
5
5
2
2
3
5
4
1
5
3
2
5
4
4
4
3
6
3
6
4
76
27
Phase 1 (2010-11)
- HF received US$10,000 in 2010 from UST SEP as CED loan.
- HF distributed received US$10,000 among 20 beekeepers in 2010.
- 20 beekeepers purchased 100 beehives (5 each).
- HF recovered US $7,659 in 2010 -11.
- 1400 kg honey produced by 20 beekeepers.
- US $8,750 income earned by the beekeepers
- 160 indirect beneficiaries benefited from this project
- 76 children have access to quality education.
Phase 2 (2012)
- HF distributed received US $7,000 among 14 beekeepers in 2012
- 14 beekeepers purchased 70 beehives (5 each)
- HF recovered US $ 5,093 in 2012
- 1120kg honey produced by 14 beekeepers.
- US S$7,000 income earned by the beekeepers.
- 112 indirect beneficiaries benefited from this project.
- 50 children have access to quality education.
Villages
# Beekeepers
# Beehives
RMCL
Recovered US$
Outstanding US$
Honey Produced kg
Income Earned
Indirect Dependents
Children in School
Summary of UST SEP CED Loan from year 2010-2013
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Total
Oshikhandass, Danyore, Mohdabad,
Mominabad
Danyore, Mohdabad, Mominabad
Danyore
28
20
100
10,000
7,659
2,341
1,400
8,750
160
76
14
70
7,000
5,093
1,907
1,120
7,000
112
50
6
200
20,000
15,580
4,423
3,000
18,750
320
152
40
200
20,000
15,580
4,423
3,000
18,750
320
152
Phase 3 (2013)
- HF received US$3,000 in 2013 from UST SEP as CED loan.
- HF distributed received US$3,000 among 6 beekeepers in 2013.
- 6 beekeepers purchased 30 beehives (5 each).
- HF recovered US $2,825 in 2013.
- 480 kg honey produced by 6 beekeepers.
- US $3,000 income earned by the beekeepers.
- 48 indirect beneficiaries benefited from this project.
- 26 children’s have access to quality education.
OU TCOMES
- The project has benefitted the targeted beekeepers by teaching them
how to increase their honey production, which helped them to improve their
living standards.
- The UST SEP CED Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) helped beekeepers
sustain their businesses during the economic crises and after devastating
floods and monsoons.
- The project played a vital role in empowering the beneficiaries by providing
them with income generating opportunities in a male dominant society.
- The project provided means for the beneficiaries to help pay for their
families’ nutritional, educational and health care expenses.
- The program enabled HF to venture into new and innovative initiatives along
with gaining confidence of the implementing partners.
- HF achieved another milestone towards the aim to empower the
underprivileged communities in the society through its HF USA partners.
CHA L L E NG E SFA C ED
During the project’s lifetime, following challenges were faced by the grantees while
implementing the project activities:
- Weather in the project area remained unpredictable and unsuitable for
production of the forecasted amount of honey.
- Only four to five months per year are favorable for honey production in
Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Beehives were relocated to other parts of the country during the harsh
winter months. The mobilization of the beehives posed challenges and risks
as some got damaged due to improper handling.
- Law and order situations in some areas of Gilgit-Baltistan remain tense.
As a result, beneficiaries did not have access to certain areas to increase
the production.29
L OCA LP O V E RT Y
The challenge of poverty alleviation remains huge. Pakistan, being a signatory to the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), is committed to achieving the MDG target
for poverty by halving it between 1990 and 2015. The estimated level of poverty in
1990 was 26%, which needs to be cut to 13% by 2015 if the target is to be met. The
State Bank of Pakistan in its latest annual report on the economy revealed that the
World Bank’s task force on food security has estimated that the Head Count Ratio
(HCR) for poverty increased in Pakistan to 33.8 percent in FY08 (fiscal year 2007-08)
and 36.2 percent in FY09, projecting that 62 million people in the country now live
below the poverty line.
As per economic survey of Pakistan 2009, “The poorest households need to
spend 70% or more of their income on food and their ability to meet most essential
expenditures for health and education is severely compromised. In addition, the
diminished purchasing power has severely impaired capacity of poor households to
seek health care, and children education, particularly for girls.”
Expenses
Mobilzation Cost
Training Cost
Procurement of Beehives
Production Kits
Technical Assistance in Branding & Packaging
Administrative, Transportation & Logistics Cost
Total
UST SEP CED Budget Summary
UST SEP
Contribution in US$
HF Contribution
in US$
Total US$
13,000
500600
1,000
2,000
4,000
9,100
500600
13,000
1,000
2,000
4,000
22,10013,000
- Rate of inflation in Pakistan increased to over 10% during the project’s
implementation period. This severely limited the beneficiaries’ buying
power, hence threatened their basic survival.
30
This project provides opportunity to increase income of women to earn livelihood for
their families by undertaking entrepreneurial initiatives. Under this project 100 women
will be provided with 5 beehives each. Average production of honey is 18 Kg/beehive
and it will additionally increase the income of beneficiaries by PKRs. 54,000 annually
(US $515) as they will produce 90 kg (5 x 18) (198 lbs) of honey each year and
Hashoo Foundation will purchase honey for PKRs.600 (US $5.70).
It is expected that the income resulting from the project will be utilized to overcome
the issues of children education and to maintain a hygienic and healthy life. The
fact remains that women are about 51% percent of the country and have very low
contribution to the family income; this project will enable 100 women beneficiaries of
targeted area to contribute significantly to their family income. This project is aimed
to build the capacities of targeted women and once the project ends, beneficiaries
will have continuous organizational support in selling their honey which will make
it sustainable income generating model and it will consequently help in reducing
poverty in Pakistan at local and national level.
A S SUMP T I O N SA NDR I S K S
Globally, bee farming carries a natural risk, and this project would be susceptible
to the same risks. However, the potential for securing a better livelihood for target
beneficiaries far outweighs the risks, especially to involve the community in
community based employment increasing the source of income and livelihood in this
earthquake hit valley. From a management perspective there is no risk, as Hashoo
Foundation has extensive honey bee and micro-enterprise development experience,
including launching its Honey brand “Mountain Pure Honey.”
E N V I R ONMEN TA LI M PAC T
The project will aid in the enhancement of sustainable environments promoting
pollination in the existing orchards in the targeted areas. Honey bees help in
sustaining environmental diversity.
GEND ERI S S U E S
Per World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap report, Pakistan female to male ratio in
labor force participation is 25%. Female adult un-employment rate is 8.38 %, women
to rise to enterprise leadership is 3.85 %.
As per the report “Pakistan Employment Trends for Women,” labor force participation
of women in Pakistan is 21.8%. This is lower than the global (52.6%) and regional
(35.6%) averages.
31
Following the Beijing Declaration and Platform of action from September 1998,
Pakistan has adopted its National Plan of Action for Women; it considers women as
“vital contributors to the economic survival of poor house hold”. The plan envisions
that the economic empowerment of women promotes women’s economic image in the
family, community and nation. It aims to facilitate women’s participation in all areas
of life besides ensuring protection of women’s rights with in the family and society.
Employment to population ratio of women is 19.9%.
There is a serious risk of excessive school dropout rates and thus loss of the gains
in terms of primary school enrolment increases achieved in past years. The poorest
households need to spend 70% or more of their income on food and their ability to
meet most essential expenditures for health and education is severely compromised.
In addition, the diminished purchasing power has severely impaired capacity of poor
households to seek health care, and children education, particularly for girls. This
situation has further aggravated by falling nutrition levels, particularly for already
malnourished children. Poverty head count 36.2% is very alarming.
According to the statistics of the Economic Survey of Pakistan, the national average
of women integrated in the main stream of economic through self-employment in rural
areas is 18% to 20%.
A study undertaken by Hashoo Foundation revealed that women account for 55% of
honey bee producers in the Northern Area and Chitral (NAC). Their average productivity
(17,91kg/year/beehive) is slightly higher than the global average (16,25 kg/year/
beehive). However, they only account for 35% of the total income generated by honey
bee production in the NAC. This gap could arise from the fact that 68,2% of women
beekeepers in the NAC own less than 5 beehives, which is the critical point at which
keeping bees become profitable. In the neighboring district of Gilgit, and surrounding
areas, 87% of the total honey production is purchased by the local market.
32
M I T I G AT I NGS T R AT EG Y
- In 2012 and 2013, HF developed business groups of the beekeepers to
ensure easy and timely recovery of loans. HF has established 18 honey
business groups in Gilgit-Baltistan and 10 honey business groups in
Chitral. The formation of groups has reduced transportation and beehives
shifting cost, and is expected to make the enterprises more sustainable
and viable through mutual efforts and contribution.
- HF also worked on strengthening the local bodies’ network.
- The introduction of new technologies in beekeeping shall enhance the
production and collection of honey, thus leading to increase in the amount
of honey produced.
- The provision of skill trainings to beekeepers in coming years shall
strengthen business groups in the projected areas.
- Providing market awareness to the beekeepers shall enable them to set the
unit cost per kg of honey at market competitive level.
CONC LU S I O N
HF believes that by working together with the relevant stakeholders, we can
successfully implement the CED program and expand it through following activities:
- Developing partnerships with other NGOs, universities, micro finance
institutions and apex organizations like Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
(PPAF).
- Mobilizing additional communities to increase the number of trainees in Gilgit-
Baltistan.
- Improving quality control mechanisms in production, processing, and packaging
- Obtaining ISO certifications, such as fair trade and internationally recognized
organic certifications through certified organizations like Pakistan Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR).
- Replicating “Plan Bee” in other rural areas of Pakistan, including Chitral, Khyber
Pakhtoonkhwa and Azad Jamu & Kashmir (AJK).
- Increasing the honey production from 20 tons to 65 tons by 2014. 33
Lack of storage facilities, processing equipment, market information and poor access
prevent beekeepers from reaching potentially more profitable down-country markets.
Beekeepers are also not aware of the income supplement they could generate
through the exploitation of the four major honey by-products: beeswax, pollen, royal
jelly and propolis.
The proposed project will address the gender inequality issue and increase the
economic development and education opportunities for women and girls in the target
areas of Pakistan.
ORGAN I Z AT I O N A LS T RUC TUR E&C A PAC I T Y
Hashoo Foundation has a well-established infrastructure employing over 300
employees including foreign and local qualified and trained professional,
administrative and operational staff. Hashoo Foundation is implementing its
program and projects through its head office in Islamabad and regional offices
established in Chitral, Gilgit, Rawalpindi, and Mansehra.
The major source of income in Ghizer is the District of Gilgit-Baltistan is
agriculture. However, due to the remoteness of the mountainous region, the socio-
economic status of local inhabitants is very low. Hashoo Foundation’s office staff
in Gilgit-Baltistan is dedicated to the development, management, training and
implementation of the Women Empowerment through Honey Bee Farming “Plan
Bee” project. Beekeeping is an income generating activity with an incubation
period of three months, which can be undertaken at cottage level, as it does not
require heavy investments or infrastructure. On site appropriate training is needed
with inputs including beehives and extractors as well as appropriate climatic
conditions and availability of bee flora at selected locations.
Hashoo Foundation has three core programs in Gilgit- Baltistan: Economic
Development, Education & CESP program, Skills development. Regional program
manager will be responsible to implement this project in the target area.
PA RTN E R SH I PW I T HO T H E RI N S T I T U T I O N S / A G ENC I E S
The Country Director, Manager Enterprise Development and Gilgit Regional Program
Manager will coordinate project activities including, community mobilization through
Social Organizers, organizing training by Resource Persons and Field Assistants.
Honey produced will be purchased/collected at a premium rates and transported to
Islamabad for processing, Packaging and labeling by the Marketing Department of
Hashoo Foundation based in Islamabad.
Technical assistance with specialized trainers in beekeeping will be organized in
collaboration with our partners, Honey Bee Research Institute (HBRI), National
Agricultural Research Council Islamabad and Agriculture University Peshawar.
34
Hashoo Foundation and the women beekeepers are very grateful to UST SEP for
extending the recovery of the Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) from 2010 to
2013, hence helping the beekeepers recover from their economic losses, pay for their
children’s education and basic needs of shelter, food and health care.
Contact
Cristal Montañéz Baylor
Executive Director
Hashoo Foundation USA
M +1 (713) 483-4990 F +1 (713) 759-0787
www.hashoofoundationusablog.org
HashooFoundationUSA @HashooFoundaUSA
