MVIWAMORO, in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO Tanzania) through the Forest and Farm Facility initiative, recently conducted a three-day training on beekeeping and honey value addition in Msimba Village. The training targeted 150 youth and women farmers from the hamlets of Mji Mpya, Miyomboni, and Msimba Kati, aiming to strengthen their skills in sustainable beekeeping and honey processing. Participants were introduced to modern beekeeping practices, hive management, honey harvesting techniques, and environmental conservation practices linked to forest protection. In addition, farmers received hands-on training on value addition of honey and beeswax, learning how to produce marketable products such as candles, honey jelly, bar soap, and multipurpose liquid soap. The sessions combined theoretical lessons with practical demonstrations to ensure participants gained both knowledge and practical experience.

 

The training was facilitated by technical experts from LECATE Company Limited and the Kilosa District Beekeeping Department, with support from MVIWAMORO field staff. As a result of the training, six youth and women farmer groups established honey processing and marketing enterprises, creating new opportunities for income generation within the community. To support the initiative, groups also received 20 beehives as part of the start-up support, with an additional 40 hives planned for distribution in the next phase. This initiative is expected to improve household incomes, promote entrepreneurship among youth and women, and strengthen sustainable forest-based livelihoods in Msimba Village.