The 2030 Goal for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is in ‘grave danger’.

According to the UN, the 2030 Goal is in ‘grave danger’, a result of a number of factors such as armed conflict, climate change, and the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic, as reported by the World Economic Forum.

These global crises have impacted the progress of the SDGs as the war in Ukraine causes food shortages for people around the world, and rising inflation further exacerbates the effects of poverty.

Furthermore, the UN states that the world is ‘not on track’ to achieving gender inequality by 2030, with ‘bold action’ needed to accelerate progress through the promotion of laws, policies, budgets and institutions that promote gender equality.

The ApiTrace Partnership aims to have a positive impact and address 14 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals in sub-Saharan Africa, by providing traceability to honey, and bringing market access to the region’s predominantly female (78%) beekeepers.

In doing so, ApiTrace will provide opportunities for women and girls to earn a fair income for their quality produce, while promoting sustainable development in the region. Through Honey Processing Hubs, beekeepers will receive instant digital payment at market rates, and be able to access training facilities to achieve vocational qualifications in apiculture. Each Honey Processing Hub will serve upwards of 2,500 local beekeepers to directly benefit themselves and their families, promote ethical and organic African produce, and put approximately £750,000 of ‘new money’ into the local economy each year.

The 14 SDGs addressed by the project are:

#1 No Poverty

#2 Zero Hunger

#3 Good Health and Well-being

#4 Quality Education

#5 Gender Equality

#8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

#9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

#10 Reduced Inequalities

#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

#12 Responsible Consumption and Production

#13 Climate Action

#15 Life on Land

#16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

#17 Partnerships for the Goals

The ApiTrace Partnership began with collaboration between Bee.Watch Ltd and the Africa Apiculture Consortium in 2019, and to date has been supported by UK Research and Innovation, the Rowse Family Trust, and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

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