Widows launch 17-hive beekeeping project

KIBAHA: GROUP of widows in Kibaha District, Coast Region, has launched a 17-hive beekeeping project aimed at creating a new source of income and helping members become economically self-reliant.

The project, launched in Ruvu River Valley on a farm owned by Kibaha Environmental Conservation Action (KECA) in Dosa Village, is expected to expand as the Tanzania Women Widows Association (CCWWT) gains experience and increases production.

CCWWT Chairperson in Kibaha District, Ms Zuhura Mzava thanked KECA for providing land where the hives could be placed, saying the project marked the beginning of an economic journey for the widows.

The association’s secretary, Ms Kanyenda Mweri, also thanked KECA for providing training in modern beekeeping and allowing the widows to use its land.

She said the members hoped the project would increase their income and improve their economic wellbeing, adding that they planned to expand the activity as it became successful.

KECA Chairperson, Mr Mohamed Sekamba said the organisation decided to support the widows after seeing the various challenges they faced.

He said KECA provided training in modern beekeeping and allowed the widows to place their hives on its land to give them an opportunity to become self-reliant.

Kibaha District Council Beekeeping Officer, Ms Happiness Massam said beekeeping could provide economic benefits when conducted according to proper principles and best practices.

“I assure you that you will never regret starting this project due to the benefits that can be obtained through honey production and other products from beekeeping. I advise you to keep this spirit and move forward and expand this project further,” she said.

Widows Coordinator for Kibaha District Council, Ms Joyce Ndakidemi commended the members for starting the project, saying it was an important step towards overcoming vulnerability and building self-reliant lives.

“The 17-hive project was expected to provide a foundation for larger economic activities by the association, with members planning to increase production and expand the project,” she said.

According to the 2022 National Population and Housing Census, Tanzania has 1,396,262 widows, representing 4.4 per cent of the female population.