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Credit & Enterprise Development (CED) for

Women Beekeepers of Northern Pakistan

Project Report 2010-2013




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Contents

Contents 2
Acronyms 3
Project Summary 4
Hashoo Foundation Overview 4
Background 6
Mountain Honey 9
Credit & Enterprise Development (CED) Project Overview 10
Objectives 10
Goal 11
Implementation Strategy 11
Steps Taken to Implement the Project 12
2010-2013 Rice Microfinance Program (RMF) Credit & Enterprise Development (CED) Project
Overview 15
Plan Bee Devastated by the Floods 15
Distribution of New Beehives 17
Phase 1 17
Phase 2 18
Outcomes 19
Challenges Faced 20
Mitigating Strategy 22
Conclusion 23
Organizational Structure & Capacity 23


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Acronyms

CED Credit & Enterprise Development
EDP Enterprise Development Program
HF Hashoo Foundation
GB Gilgit-Baltistan
ISO International Standard Organization
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
PCSIR Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
PPAF Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
RMCL Revolving Micro Credit Loan
RMF Rice Microfinance Program


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Project Summary



PROJECT TITLE Credit & Enterprise Development
(CED) for Women Beekeepers of
Northern Pakistan
IMPLEMENTING PARTNER Hashoo Foundation
FUNDED BY Rice University Rice Microfinance
Program (RMF)
AREA OF IMPLEMENTATION Chatorkhand in District Ghizer,
Mominabad in District Hunza-Nager
and Mohdabad in District Gilgit
Baltistan, Pakistan
TOTAL DIRECT BENEFICIARIES 15 women
TOTAL INDIRECT BENEFICIARIES 120 family members, out of which
63 children have access to education
OVERALL MANAGEMENT Ali Akbar, Country Director, HF-
Pakistan
Aqeel Nawaz Khan, Director-
Programs, HF- Pakistan
TECHNICAL SUPPORT Cristal Montaz Baylor , Executive
Director, HF-USA
PROJECT MANAGER Kamal Uddin
IMPLEMENTING TEAM BJ Shams & HF-Gilgit Team
PROJECT DURA TION Three years
(January 2010-December 2013)

PROJECT BUDGET US $9,200
RICE MICROFINANCE
CONTRIBUTION
US $4,200
HASHOO FOUNDATION
CONTRIBUTION
US $5,000
COUNTRY Pakistan
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Hashoo Foundation Overview

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.

Vision

Hashoo Foundations vision is of an ethical, equitable, inclusive and progressive society in which
people live with dignity and have power over their own lives.

Mission

Hashoo Foundations 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.

Values

The Hashoo Foundation is influenced by the Hashoo familys philosophy, and draws on the values of
equity; inclusivity, transparency, innovation, integrity, respect and fulfillment.

Core Programmatic Areas

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 Foundations long term work covers four main core program areas:

1. Economic Development.
2. Education.
3. Skills development.
4. Humanitarian Assistance & Emergency Relief.

The proposed Credit & 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 childrens
education.

Registration and Accreditation

Operating throughout Pakistan, the Hashoo Foundation is expanding globally. The Foundation holds
valid registration and accreditation:

Pakistan
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Registered under Trust Act 1882 vide 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 USA as a non-profit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) code tax identification number 20-0748173.
UK
Certified in UK vide 1116314.
Approved U/S 2 (36) Income Tax Ordinance 2001 valid till further order.


Background

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 is a fertile ground for extremism and militancy.


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The project started in Gilgit-Baltistan in 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 (35.3 to 39.7
Ib)/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%).



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.
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Hashoo Foundation believes strong partnership will help in meeting organizational goal. Hashoo
Foundation has partnership in Pakistan, USA and other countries with public and private
organizations. 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),
HOPE87 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.

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 a local capacity.
- Proven interest in achieving the project goals and achieving sustainability.

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 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 (143,300.Ib) 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 on the education of their children.
- 10% on better nutrition for their families.
- 30% on healthcare expenses.
- Increased women role in decision making.
- Decreased dependency on male.
- Promotion in collective decisions in the community.


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Key Lessons Learned During Project Implementation

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 projects 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.
But 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.

Mountain Honey

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.

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 expenses in services for their families, such as health, education and nutrition.





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Awards and Recognitions

In 2008, Hashoo Foundations Womens 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 Plan Bee video. 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.


Credit & Enterprise Development (CED) Project Overview

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 Montaz
Baylor, Executive Director, established a partnership with the Rice Microfinance Program (RMF) A
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed June 3, 2009 for a three year commitment
beginning on January 2010 and ending on December 2013. RMF committed to allocate US $4,200 in
Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) to 12 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.

In collaboration with Rice University under its Rice Microfinance Program (RMF), with a new added
component of Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL), the proposed project on Credit & 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.


Objectives

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 12 new women in 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 & 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.
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3. Facilitate the students of RMF to learn through their exposure visits related to the CED
program and gaining firsthand experience of the effects of RMF while confront 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 RMF. This model also facilitated RMF 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.


Goal

The original goal was to deploy 12 women beneficiaries in honey bee farming in three years
beekeeping. The project provided a long term, sustainable means through Revolving Micro Credit
Loans (RMCL) of US $4,200 expanding the project with gradual increase up to 24 women headed
households and their estimated 192 dependents. The women were selected on the basis of baseline
surveys undertaken by Hashoo Foundation.

This initiative not only helped the foundation launch Credit & 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

RMF committed to provide US $4,200 in June, 2009 for the first phase of the CED program. After
completing the first cycle of RMF loans to 12 women in 2010, the outreach will expand to another 12
beneficiaries with the same loan amount of US $350 per woman. Total beneficiaries will be 24
women.

Phase 2

RMF committed to US $4,200 in June 2010 for the second phase of the CED program. After
completing the first cycle of RMF loans from the revolving fund provided under second phase to 12
women in the year (2010-2011), the outreach will expand to another 12 beneficiaries with the same
loan amount of US $350 per woman. The total beneficiaries in Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be 24
women.


Implementation Strategy

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, increase honey production, promote better use of
technology, extend sales and marketing, develop networking and linkages in and outside the country,
thus promoting economic enterprise as a way to help alleviate poverty.

Partnership of RMF with HF was based on a resource sharing approach. RMCL was provided by
RMF and implemented by HF-CED through its regional offices in Gilgit, Chitral and Mansehra. The in
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kind and infrastructure support for implementation of the project and technical support was provided
from HFs core office established in Islamabad.


Steps Taken to Implement the Project

Mobilization and Baseline Assessment

As Hashoo Foundation had existing beneficiaries in Gilgit-Baltistan, a comprehensive assessment
was undertaken to ensure that the target area selected was the most suitable for this intervention.
The community and LSOs 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 childrens 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, based on its experience and the needs of the communities designed
training material to improve the honey production for new farmers. It also developed Honey Bee
farming manual and value chain development manual for distribution amongst the trainees.

Training and Capacity Building

A 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. A total of 1
honey bee farming training and 1 value chain development training were undertaken.

Procurement and Distribution of Beehives and Kits

45 beehives and 15 production kits were procured and distributed among 15 women beekeepers from
2010-2013 after the process of training in two phases.


Evaluation of Production / Income and Shifting Honey to Islamabad

1,008 kg (2,222Ib) of raw honey was collected from the beekeepers and transported to Islamabad for
further processing, packaging and marketing.



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Marketing Support

Using its existing market linkages, HF sold the procured honey to Hashoo Group Hotels, Serena
Hotel, recognized bakeries and foreign embassies through our Core Office in Islamabad.

HF regional team purchased raw honey from the beneficiaries and payment was made at the door
step of the beneficiaries. Once honey is purchased and collected, all the raw honey is transported to
Islamabad for further processing and packaging. 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

HFs 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 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.

Project Reporting

HF submitted annual progress reports for RMF in the month of December each year. HF also tracked
the project activities on monthly bases with the help of Activity Tracking Matrices (ATM) for internal
reporting.

Steps towards Sustainability

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. Culturally, there is no restriction on the women folks to keep honey bees that encourages the
women to rear honey bees. 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 increasing production of fruits, vegetables, grains and other
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food items. All the above factors enable the women folks to provide good food to the family, 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 (39.7 to 48.5 Ib) 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 familys regular income that is an
important factor for financial sustainability of the beneficiaries.

Sustainability was ensured through improved honey bee production, technical assistance and value
addition, besides linkages with market for profitable sale of the product provided by HF offices.

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 voice is 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.

Honey produced was purchased/collected, and packaging and labeling was done by the Marketing
Department of Hashoo Foundation based in Islamabad. Hashoo Foundations ability to connect the
producers to the market through a network of five star hotels, grocery stores and other markets is
what makes this project one of the most effective economic empowerment projects in Northern
Pakistan.





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2010-2013 Rice Microfinance Program (RMF) Credit & Enterprise
Development (CED) Project Overview

Phase 1

Phase 1 of the CED was initiated during 2010. Under this program, the Hashoo Foundation
distributed and administered the provision of US $4,200 in Revolving Micro Credit Loans (RMCL) to
12 women beekeepers. A total of 45 beehives and 12 production kits were purchased. The ultimate
objective was to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the marginalized women of the Gilgit-
Baltistan.






Plan Bee Devastated by the Floods

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 (US $300) producing up to 45 kg (99 lb) of honey annually.

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After conducting a post flood evaluation we found the following:

- All 12 beneficiaries of the CED program were directly or indirectly affected and suffered due to
the unprecedented disaster.
- 40 beehives of the 45 beehives distributed were damaged.
- The estimated cost to replace the damaged beehives was US $6,050.
- With the exception of initial three weeks of March-April 2010, there was no honey production
from October 2010March 2011, due to continuous heavy rains in all parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
- In August 2010, HF managed to recover US $1,050 of the first installment of loans; however,
due to the status of the destruction, remaining amount of US $3,150 was not recovered that
year.
- In 2013, US $4,200 were recovered

In the midst of this tragedy, some of the RMF beneficiaries borrowed money from other family
members to pay their loans getting deeper into debt.


Homes destroyed due to flood Targetted area struck by natural calamity

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Damaged beehives


Based on the devastation caused by this historical disaster and difficulties faced by the affected
beekeepers to repay their loans, HF requested RMF to consider forgiving the beekeepers loans.
Unfortunately, RMF doesn't have a clause that considers other means to help beneficiaries affected
by catastrophic disasters. However, RMF graciously agreed to extend the period for the recovery of
the loans, thus helping the beekeepers recover from their economic losses. On November 28, 2012,
the original MoU was amended and both organizations, RMF and HF, agreed that the project shall
continue for as long as needed and the partners fulfilled their obligations.


Distribution of New Beehives

HF provided the RMF beneficiaries with new beehives, thus enabling the beekeepers to resettle and
recover from their economic losses.

Phase 1

As per the mutual agreement with RMF, the loan was supposed to be reimbursed within two years.
However, due to floods in 2010, the loan repaying cycle met a delay by one year. Thus, HF was able
to recover the tota amount of US$4,200 in 2013.

Summary CED Loan
Loans Provided
By
Beekeepers
Loan
US $
Recovered
US $
Outstanding
US $
Recovered
%
RMF 12 4,200 1,050 3,150 25




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Phase 2

By 2012, HF was only able to recover US$1,050 out of the first phase of the project from 3
beneficiaries from total of 12 beekeepers. Hence, in the 2
nd
phase of the RMF, Revolving Micro Credit
Loans (RMCL) of US $350 each was distributed to 3 women beekeepers in 2012.


S
#
Name Village Loan Recovered Outstanding
#
Beehives
Honey
Produced
Income
Earned
US $ US $ US $ Qty Kg US $
1 Neak Pervin Mohdabad 350 350 0 3 48/105 300
2 Naik Parveen Mohdabad 350 350 0 3 48/105
300
3 Nahid Akhter Mohdabad 350 350 0 3 48/105
300

Total 1,050 1,050 0 9 144 / 317 900
Table 1: RMF (2012) RMCL Progress



Graphical presentation of Table 1

Summary CED Loan
Loans
Provided By
Beekeepers
Loan
US $
Recovered
US $
Outstanding
US $
Recovered %
RMF 3 1,050 1,050 0 100



Loan
Distributed
Recovered Outstanding
Status 1050 1050 0
1050 1050
0
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
RMF (2012) RMCL Progress
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RMF RMCL Consolidated Loan Status December 2013
S # Name Village Loan Recovered Outstanding # Beehives Honey
Income
Earned
#
Children
in
School
US $ US $ US $ Qty Kg/Lbs US $
1 Jurbasbibi Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 360 2
2 Zarmurah Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 5
3 Shamim Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 3
4 Gamburi Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 4
5 Haleema Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 5
6 BibiAlam Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 4
7 Bano Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 7
8 KharoorSoni Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 4
9 GulNisa Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 3
10 ZareenTaj Chatorkhand 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 6
11 MeherBano Mominabad 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 3
12 Haji bibi Mominabad 350 350 0 3 72/158 450 5
13 Neak Pervin Mohdabad 350 350 0 3 48/106 300 5
14 Naik Parveen Mohdabad 350 350 0 3 48/106
300
5
15 Nahid Akhter Mohdabad 350 350 0 3 48/106
300
2

Total
4,200 4,200 0 45
1008 /
2,218
6,300 63


Impact of the Credit & Enterprise Development Program - RMF

15 women received a Revolving Micro Credit Loan (RMCL) to empower themselves for better
living.
1,008 kg (2,222 Ib) of honey was produced.
US $6,300 earned by the beneficiaries during the lifetime of the project.
Total household income increased by 32 % by the end of 2013.
120 dependents benefitted and had access to better nutrition and health care.
63 children had access to quality education.
Women beneficiaries were linked with Northern Honey Bee Association (NHBA).
Socio-economic status of the beneficiaries was improved at a noticeable level.
The project increased women empowerment in terms of decision making in their everyday
lives.

Outcomes

The project as a whole, benefitted the targeted beekeepers by teaching them how to
increasing their honey production, which helped them to improve their living standards.
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The RMF 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.

Challenges Faced

During the projects 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 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 were 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.
Rate of inflation in Pakistan increased to over 10% during the projects implementation period.
This severely limited the beneficiaries buying power, hence threatened their basic survival.

RMF CED Budget Summary
Expenses
RMF Contribution in US $
@ 86 Rupees
HF Contribution in US $
@ 86 Rupees
Total US $
Mobilization cost 500 500
Training cost 600 600
Procurement of beehives 4,200 4,200
Production kits 600 600
Monitoring cost 600 600
Technical assistance in
branding and packaging
700 700
Administrative,
transportation and logistics
cost
2,000 2,000

Total Expenses

4,200

5,000

9,200

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Local Poverty

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 Banks task force on food security has estimated that the Head
Count Ratio (HCR) for poverty increased in Pakistan to 33.8% in FY08 (fiscal year 2007-08) and
36.2% 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.

This project provides opportunity to increase income of women to ear n livelihood for their families by
under taking 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
lb) 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% 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.

Assumptions and Risks

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.

Environmental Impact

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.

Gender Issue

Per World Economic Forums 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 %.

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As per the report Pakistan Employment T rends 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.
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 womens economic image in the family, community and nation. It aims to facilitate womens
participation in all areas of life besides ensuring protection of womens 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 under taken by Hashoo Foundation revealed that women account for 55% of honey bee
producers in the Northern Area and Chitral (NAC). Their average productivity (1,791kg/year/beehive)
is slightly higher than the global average (1,625 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.

Lack of storage facilities, processing equipment, market information and poor access 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.


Mitigating Strategy

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 envisaged 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.
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Providing market awareness to the beekeepers shall enable them to set the unit cost per kg of honey
at market competitive level.


Conclusion

HF believes that by working together with the relevant stakeholders, we can successfully implement
the CED program and expand it through following activities:

Develop 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.
Improve 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 up from 20 tons to 65 tons by 2014.

Hashoo Foundation and the women beekeepers are very grateful to RMF, for extending the recovery
of the Micro Credit loans from 2010 to 2013, hence helping the beekeepers recover from their
economic losses, pay for their childrens education and basic needs of shelter, food and health care.


Organizational Structure & Capacity

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 socioeconomic status of local inhabitants is very low.
Hashoo Foundations 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 under taken 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.

Partnership with Other Institutions/Agencies

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.
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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.

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