“I want to develop a beehive-making business and improve my own technical skills. I am motivated to produce quality beehives and quality honey, and to build a reputation to attract new customers.” Maher Dallah, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Ar-Rastan, Homs Governorate.  Maher’s business idea was technically reviewed and selected along with 33 others in Ar-Rastan by FAO, to receive support in terms of training,  financial assistance, and mentorship for small-business establishments.

The Nabta training is FAO’s leading agri-preneurship programme, implemented under the Smallholder Support Programme (SSP) – funded by the European Union. It positions supporting young entrepreneurs with valuable initiatives in their communities as a top priority for FAO to help enhance agricultural production in the country.

This specialized programme has so far reached 500 young Syrians in Ar-Rastan in 2021, whittled down to a shortlist of the best 150 candidates, who are aiming to transform their ideas into businesses through  Nabta’s advanced training topics.

After participation, Maher presented a proposal to FAO’s experts' panel on assembling, repairing and selling wooden beehives and beekeeping accessories: “I was always fond of bees, and that's why my project proposal to Nabta was to make beehives; I wanted to carry on with what I learned as a child, and to keep the craft alive in the family.” Stated Maher.

After receiving the approval, technical support and a grant from FAO, Maher managed to develop his workshop’s capacity fivefold in less than one year, and reach new customers in Homs and Hama governorates. This had a direct and immediate benefit in his family’s living situation.

The mindset shift and vision for the future were noticed in the transformation of his modest wood workshop into a buzzing bee business, including beehive making and honey production. This happened when one of his customers proposed a brilliant idea: “One of my customers, a bee merchant, offered to pay me with bees!  This way I could start a beekeeping business next to my workshop. There is less demand for beehives in the summer, so honey production will help keep a stable income all year round.”

The growing income enabled Maher to provide a better life for his children, who seem to share their father’s passion. He explains: "My four children are excited about beekeeping. My youngest son is always curious about bees and loves helping me with beekeeping. What matters most is that the additional income I can make from honey will contribute to their schooling expenses."

Investing in youth is vital to ensure the future of the country’s agricultural sector, as well as the livelihoods of these youth and the food security of their communities. FAO, through Nabta, has reached about 2,000 beneficiaries in four governorates (Homs, Aleppo, Deir Ez-Zor, Al-Hasakah), to assist youth startups of some impressive businesses in rural areas.