Bees, Soil, and Self-Reliance: A B.C. Group’s Mission in Haiti
The Haiti Beekeepers, a grassroots initiative from B.C.’s Comox Valley, are proving that meaningful change doesn’t always come in the form of aid—it can start with a hive and a handful of seeds. Co-founded by firefighter-turned-beekeeper David MacDonald, this group has been quietly transforming Haitian communities by teaching regenerative farming and beekeeping as tools for resilience.
Their journey began in 2012 after the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti. MacDonald and co-founder Brian Coombs first intended to deliver food. But once on the ground, they saw a deeper need. “We just thought that handing out food wasn’t sustainable,” MacDonald said. “We’d be leaving in three weeks. What then?”
From Hives to Harvests
MacDonald’s solution was inspired by his own backyard skill—beekeeping. “I thought I could teach people how to keep bees and they could sell their honey,” he explained. That idea bloomed into the original “Hives for Haiti,” a project that quickly gained traction.
However, they soon faced a challenge. Haiti’s environment had been stripped bare—its forests cut down to make charcoal. The landscape lacked the biodiversity bees depend on. “That’s why Haiti is basically bald,” MacDonald said.
The team pivoted. They realized that helping Haitians restore their land was key. Beekeeping would stay, but the focus shifted to regenerating soil and growing food in smarter ways. And so, “Hives for Haiti” became Haiti Beekeepers, expanding its mission beyond bees.
A Living Classroom for Change
Today, the group owns a plot of land in Haiti. It’s not just farmland—it’s a proof of concept. Here, Haitian farmers are shown what’s possible with simple, restorative techniques. Most of them already own small plots, but they’ve lacked the means to make them thrive.
Through hands-on teaching, they learn methods that restore rather than deplete the land. One of the most powerful techniques is syntropic gardening. This begins with digging trenches lined with sticks and twigs, creating layers of biomass. As this organic matter decays, it nurtures the soil and traps moisture. Tree seeds are added—and whichever ones thrive are allowed to grow into food sources.
“It becomes a water bar,” MacDonald said. “And over time, all that silt becomes nurturing soil.” That healthy earth then supports more crops like corn, which feed livestock. Waste from animals enriches the soil, completing a circular ecosystem.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
A cornerstone of the Haiti Beekeepers’ mission is gender equality. Every training session ensures equal participation from men and women. “If you train a woman, it’ll go to food for the children, education and housing,” MacDonald said. “It’s a bigger bang for your buck.”
This approach doesn’t just help individuals—it strengthens families, uplifts communities, and ensures the impact ripples through generations.
The Buzz Lives On
Beekeeping remains an important thread in the program. On his recent trip, MacDonald brought donated bee suits to a class of young, passionate beekeepers. “Those kids were so thrilled,” he recalled. “Their joy was just palpable.”
Through bees, soil, and solidarity, Haiti Beekeepers are building lasting solutions—one trench, one hive, and one empowered farmer at a time.
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