Encouraging the participation of rural farmers in the practice of bee keeping serves a multitude of purposes and provides substantial benefits to rural communities.

Income generation:
When markets are available, honey production and products such as candles and body creams (made from the by-products of bees) provide much needed income to supplement the lives of subsistence farmers.

Environmental protection:
Bees are good pollinators and many flowering plants depend on insects, such as bees, to transfer pollen. Inadequate pollination results in low yields of uneven and small fruits. It is estimated that more than 75% of the crops in warmer countries, benefit from bee pollination.

Protection of trees and forests. Communities receive economic benefits from standing trees (fuel, increased water production, erosion protection among others). As a group, beekeepers have a vested interest in protecting and planting trees - the source of their honey.

Health:
Honey contains medicinal properties that can be used in simple foods, such as tea, to provide daily health benefits for local populations.