Members from Beekeeping Associations established by World Vision in Valcea, Romania are boasting 20-50% increases in production, helped by beekeeping materials provided by World Vision.

More beekeepers are becoming entrepreneurs and setting up small businesses that will help increase their income to support their children and families.

After receiving 20 beehives from World Vision through its 'Income generation to beekeeping and honey marketing' project, each member is encouraged to donate two beehives to a fellow beekeeper – multiplying the gains experienced through the project and encouraging budding small-business people in Vitomiresti and Scundu communities.

World Vision recently convened a workshop in southern Romania for the members of the Beekeeping Associations from Valcea Area Development Programme (ADP), World Vision staff and representatives of Valcea County institutions and departments that offer advice on how to obtain funds for agriculture.

The workshop was designed to inform members how to obtain funds to develop a small business - particularly through the services of county institutions, recognising that funding will need to be derived from various sources in the future.

Members of the County Office for Agriculture Consultancy, County Department for Agriculture and Rural Development, Agency of Payment and Intervention for Agriculture all gave briefings on how they can support Beekeeping Associations.

Representatives from County Commerce and the Industry Chamber offered informational support regarding European Funds and two representatives from Credit Bank presented an advantageous loan offer for rural agricultural activities.

'World Vision encouraged us to develop the small business with beehives, by setting up beekeeping associations, providing us with key items for a quality beekeeping business, training us, and after all this, our production and incomes increased.

At the community level, World Vision's intervention helps other young beekeeping producers to buy more beehives and materials in order to become members of the association, because the more we are, the more powerful', said Mihai S., president of Scundu Beekeeping Association.

Two other workshops will be held by World Vision through its Economic Development Department to help rural communities access information about European funds, and ways of obtaining and using these funds.

As World Vision's micro enterprise development program helps communities build a critical engine of commerce and job creation, it is considered to be a powerful catalyst and a key ingredient in World Vision's efforts to transform the lives of Romanians.