Transforming Beekeeping through Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS): The TUNADO Experience

In many conventional development models, the significant contributions of women are often overlooked. Recognizing that true community transformation hinges on inclusivity, the Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO) made a groundbreaking decision to adopt and mainstream the Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS) methodology in all its programmes. This innovative approach has revolutionized capacity-building and sustainable development within Uganda’s beekeeping sector.
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Challenges in Gender Equity and Beekeeping

Historically, beekeeping in Uganda has been predominantly male-driven, with women facing systemic barriers such as limited access to training, financial resources, and decision-making power. Despite their contributions, women were unable to fully benefit from the sector due to deeply rooted gender disparities. While many families engaged in beekeeping for income and livelihood support, the returns did not significantly improve household welfare. Beekeeping households continued to struggle with poor living conditions, influenced by various socio-economic factors. For example;

• Gender inequality persisted, with women overburdened by labor and lack of joint decision-making on household finances.
• Production was not aligned with fulfilling household needs.
• Household planning was virtually nonexistent.
• Communication gaps existed among beekeeping value chain actors, with men exclusively addressing production and marketing challenges.
• There was no structured analysis of gender-related constraints affecting honey value chain performance.
• Beekeeping was a male-dominated enterprise, with men controlling 75% of the value chain.
• High levels of gender-based violence were prevalent among beekeeping families.
• Unequal distribution of household resources marginalized women.
• Men held absolute power over decision-making, land access, financial allocations, and development planning, while women had minimal influence.
• Women’s participation in decision-making at household, community, and national levels was disregarded, undermining their role in development initiatives.

Faced with these challenges, TUNADO encountered difficulties in promoting beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood in patriarchal communities. The existing social structures hindered the equitable participation of women, limiting the overall potential of the apiculture sector.

Introducing GALS: A Game-Changer for Inclusive Development

In December 2015, after attending specialized gender training focused on the GALS methodology, TUNADO adopted this community-driven approach as a core extension tool. GALS leverages visual diagrams to empower both women and men to envision the future they desire and take proactive steps to challenge societal norms that reinforce gender inequality. Key tools such as the Challenge Action Tree, Vision road Journey, Gender Balance Tree, and Empowerment Map were introduced to raise joint planning and action at the household level, enhancing overall welfare, extension services, and value chain development.

Implementation and Impact

To integrate GALS into beekeeping groups, TUNADO employed a strategic approach and facilitated training sessions across various beekeeping communities, enabling households to develop shared goals and action plans.

• Adoption of the methodology and mainstreaming in all programmes
• Training of staff members and selected beekeeping men and women beekeepers in GALS methodologies.
• Systematic recruitment of women into beekeeping training projects and their husbands as secondary beneficiaries.

Visible changes that that TUNADO has registered from GALs mainstreaming at programme and organization level

Adoption of GALS among beekeepers has enabled households, communities, among other stakeholders to address power imbalances that hinder development. For example, household members are now able to negotiate their needs and interests and find innovative, gender-equitable solutions

Increased Women’s Participation: Women (Elderly, middle aged and youth now actively engage in beekeeping both production, processing, and marketing 48%

Economic Empowerment: Many female beekeepers have accessed apiculture credit and diversified their income sources

Previously sidelined voices now lead training sessions, mentor new members, and guide the evolution of local practices. This empowerment has redefined organizational leadership, with women taking on key decision-making roles across projects and in the organisation itself.

 The reflective nature of GALS nurtured a culture of mutual learning. Men and women alike engaged in vibrant discussions, breaking down gender barriers and fostering a sense of collective ownership. This cultural shift has also spilled over into enhanced teamwork on aspects such as market access strategies and sustainable beekeeping practices.

The integration of gender insights led to innovative adaptations of existing practices. For example, participants instituted protocols that harnessed the collective knowledge of diverse community members, resulting in improved product quality and a more resilient value chain. These successes have not only boosted TUNADO’s project outcomes but have provided a replicable model for other NGOs grappling with similar challenges.

Increased participation in group decision-making has catalyzed broader social change. As empowered women beekeepers step into leadership, their influence nurtures a generation of confident, informed community members. The ripple effects are evident in improved household incomes, increased school enrollment for girls, and a renewed community spirit centered on inclusivity and sustainable progress.

Beekeepers are now able to develop individual and group strategic plans for change in gender relations, empowerment and improved livelihoods.

Female beekeepers are now also able to identify, negotiate and implement sustainable and equitable win-win strategies with more powerful private sector actors in the value chain.” 

The reflective nature of GALS nurtured a culture of mutual learning. Men and women alike engaged in vibrant discussions, breaking down gender barriers and fostering a sense of collective ownership.

Inspiration and Lessons for Others

TUNADO’s success with the Gender Action Learning Systems methodology offers a compelling blueprint for other people seeking to make a real difference:

1. Invest in Inclusive Training: Start by creating participatory learning environments where marginalized voices can safely and confidently share their experiences. The transformation begins with listening and action.
2. Embrace Reflective Action: Use structured reflection to identify barriers of participation and collaboratively develop tailored solutions. This cyclical process of learning and implementation not only builds capacity but also transforms organizational culture.
3. Measure and Share Success: Document changes both personal and organizational. TUNADO’s story shows that when inclusivity is at the heart of development, the benefits ripple through every layer of community life.
4. Adapt to Local Contexts: While the principles of GALS are universal, their application must be sensitive to local cultural shades. TUNADO’s customizations to fit local realities underscore the importance of context-driven adaptation.

A New Chapter Ahead

TUNADO’s journey with the Gender Action Learning Systems methodology is a testament to what can happen when an organization truly listens to all its people. The transformation is not only visible in improved beekeeping practices and the strengthening of community value chains but in the powerful emergence of new women leaders who dared to speak up and shape their own destinies.

To farmer organisations at national and district level aiming to inspire change and achieve sustainable development, TUNADO’s story offers a vibrant roadmap. By embracing GALS, organizations can unlock latent potential, drive innovative practices, and most importantly, ensure that every voice in the community contributes to a brighter, more inclusive future.