Widows launch beekeeping project in Kibaha

COAST REGION: WIDOWS in Kibaha District, Coast Region, have launched a beekeeping project at the North Ruvu Tree Plantation under the supervision of the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency to generate income and reduce dependency on relatives and their communities.

Speaking to the Daily News after a beekeeping training session conducted by TFS and Tanzania Association of Widows (CCWWT), Kibaha District Secretary Ms Kanyenda Mweri said the widows initiated the project through monthly contributions collected over the past two years.

“We have managed to buy 10 modern beehives worth 900,000/- from our monthly contributions. Our goal is to sell honey and use the proceeds to sustain this project while also launching other income-generating ventures,” said Ms Mweri.

She added that the association has 600 members in Kibaha District, though only 250 are active.

CCWWT Coast Regional Secretary Ms Pili Msabaha said the initiative aligns with government efforts to uplift widows socially and economically.

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“This project will pave the way for other initiatives. Our aim is to stop being a burden to our communities and instead contribute productively to our families and the nation,” she said, urging development stakeholders to support widows’ projects.

North Ruvu Tree Plantation Beekeeping Officer Ms Stella Chifie, who supervised the training, commended the widows for their vision and urged them to put the training into practice to ensure profitability.

She also pledged continued TFS support through close project supervision.

On 23rd June this year, the government, through the Ministry of Community Development, Women, Gender and Special Groups, launched guidelines for coordinating widows in the country, outlining efforts to improve their social and financial wellbeing.

According to the 2022 National Census, Tanzania has a total of 1,396,262 widows.