“Friend of the Bees” Champions Climate Action and Biodiversity Protection
Dubbed “Friend of the Bees,” Deborah Nzarubara from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) IS one of the eight winners of the 2023 YouthADAPT Challenge, has been a trailblazer in climate action and biodiversity protection. Her fascination with bees as a child ignited a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. As a mother, her commitment to safeguarding biodiversity is deeply personal, driven by her desire to secure a sustainable future for her children and generations to come.
Deborah’s journey began with the establishment of an association aimed at raising awareness about the ecological importance of bees. This advocacy evolved into a thriving enterprise with far-reaching community impact.
From Awareness Creation to Action: The Birth of ETS Grecom
Through her association, Deborah identified the immense production potential within beekeeping, particularly in honey and beeswax. This realization led to the founding of ETS Grecom, a company initially focused on selling honey and beeswax.
As Grecom expanded, Deborah and her team introduced modern beekeeping equipment, including connected hives equipped with advanced technology. These hives enable beekeepers to monitor real-time weather conditions, mitigating risks to bee populations and optimizing honey production.
Key Achievements:
- Training: Over 1,500 beekeepers have been trained, including 100 women.
- Employment: Grecom has created numerous jobs, fostering a network of empowered beekeepers.
- Innovation: The introduction of connected hives has revolutionized beekeeping practices in DRC.
Technological Innovation
Grecom’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by the launch of NYUKI Tech, a digital platform leveraging big data analytics to enhance honey production. NYUKI Tech provides technical guidance, real-time market information, and insights into honey origins, enabling beekeepers to remain competitive and make informed decisions.
Impact of NYUKI Tech:
- Facilitates market access for beekeepers.
- Provides weather alerts to protect bee colonies.
- Enhances production efficiency through data-driven insights.
Recognition and Expansion
Grecom’s efforts have garnered significant recognition for its contributions to climate adaptation and sustainable development. For instance, GoGettaz Africa, a partnership initiative strengthening the ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector across Africa recognized the company. The company is poised for international expansion, with plans to enter the Chinese market and secure accreditation for its products. In the future, ETS Grecom plans to establish a climate research center and laboratory to explore sustainable beekeeping practices and expand operations nationally, regionally, and globally.
The Role of the YouthADAPT Challenge
Deborah’s success is closely tied to the YouthADAPT Challenge, an annual competition under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP). Jointly implemented by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), the initiative supports young African entrepreneurs in the climate adaptation space.
The 2023 edition, supported by the African Climate Change Fund (ACCF), emphasized empowering young women entrepreneurs utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. Through the enterprise has received tailored mentorship to refine NYUKI Tech and business strategies and financial and technical assistance to scale operations.
Building Momentum
With the backing of the YouthADAPT Challenge and a growing network of beekeepers, ETS Grecom is on a trajectory toward greater achievements. Its innovative approach, dedication to sustainable development, and culture of continuous improvement position the company as a formidable player in climate adaptation.
To learn more about Grecom, visit https://www.grecom-rdc.com/
