Beekeeping Extension, Mwanza, Malawi
Challenge:
Many people in the Mwanza district of Malawi have poor standards of living. This area has experienced a decline of food production and has a low yield of citrus fruits, the main crop grown in the region.
Action:
The Nkhomano Centre for Development received funding from gorta in 2005. A beekeeping project was the first supported by the organisation in Malawi. The Centre runs the beekeeping project to improve the poor living standards of 1,000 rural households in the Central Mwanza District. With an initial target of six villages, the project strives to generate income through larger honey production, along with the marketing of honey and other beehive products. The project also identifies farmers’ training needs and trains in modern beekeeping technologies. Sixty percent of those targeted are women. The project also includes the development of a savings and revolving loan fund. An organisation of local farmers will facilitate training and and the loan fund.
Benefits:
The centre initiated the project in October 2005 and successfully had implemented it by November 2006. The project established eight new beekeeping clubs with a total membership of 197 beekeepers, 42% of which are women. Local government extension workers have been very supportive.
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