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From teacher to business owner: How beekeeping helped Latifa rebuild her livelihood

Economic recovery in western Afghanistan

In a village, on the outskirts of Farah City, a small beekeeping business is helping one woman support her family and create opportunities for others in her community.

Five years ago, however, Latifa's future looked very different.

The 50-year-old university graduate had spent years working as a teacher and was the sole income earner for her family of six. Latifa taught girls in secondary school. When girls were no longer permitted to attend school beyond Grade 6, the school reduced its teaching staff and she lost her job.

What followed were years of unemployment and growing financial hardship.

With no steady income, Latifa struggled to provide for her family. The household survived on between USD 47 and USD 78 per month, barely enough to cover essential daily expenses. As financial pressures mounted, the family focused on meeting only their most immediate needs, leaving little opportunity to save or invest in their future.

Despite the challenges, Latifa was determined to find another way forward.

Using a small amount of borrowed money, she started a beekeeping business with just three hives. The venture offered hope, but turning it into a reliable source of income proved difficult. Limited capital, inadequate equipment and restricted access to essential beekeeping supplies made it difficult to expand production or reach new markets.

Without additional support, the business remained small and its potential largely untapped.

That changed when Latifa joined DRC's Economic Recovery Programme.

Through the programme, she participated in Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training, where she gained practical skills in business management, financial planning, marketing and enterprise development. Alongside the training, she received a cash grant of USD 1,800, giving her the resources needed to invest in and grow her business.

Five years after losing my job, I never imagined that I would be able to stand on my own feet again. The support provided by DRC, along with the training I received, gave me the confidence and skills needed to grow my business.

The support marked a turning point.

Latifa expanded her beekeeping operation from three hives to fifteen and diversified beyond honey production by introducing packaging, labelling and marketing. What began as a small livelihood activity gradually developed into a growing enterprise.

Today, she sells honey through a home-based shop and has established a reliable source of income for her family.

DRC also supported her participation in marketing exhibitions in Farah and Herat provinces, helping her connect with new customers and expand her market reach. As demand for her products increased, so did the business. Her honey is now sold not only in Farah, but also in Herat and Nimroz provinces.

The impact on her family's wellbeing has been significant.

With her expanded business, Latifa's monthly income has increased by more than four times, rising from USD 63 to USD 275. The additional income has enabled her to better meet her family's needs and build greater financial stability.

The benefits extend beyond her own household.

As her business expanded, Latifa began creating opportunities for other women in her community. Today, five women work alongside her in beekeeping, packaging and product preparation, earning an income and contributing to their families' wellbeing.

Today, I can not only support my family but also provide employment opportunities for five other women. I am proud that our honey products are now being sold in other provinces as well.

For many women in Afghanistan, earning an income and building a business remains extremely challenging. Restrictions on women

Latifa’s journey began with three beehives and a determination to provide for her family. With training, financial support and access to new markets, she has built a business that now supports her household and creates opportunities for other women.

Her experience highlights how, when women are able to access the tools and resources they need, small livelihood activities can grow into businesses that benefit families and communities.