Scaling Up for Resilient Livelihoods in Zimbabwe
In the heart of Zimbabwe, where communities wrestle with the relentless challenges of disasters and poverty, hope is blossoming like a wildflower. It was July 2022 when a transformative project was underway, igniting the spirit of resilience in rural households across the nation. The project will be ongoing for another two years, and with support from The Salvation Army in Switzerland and technical expertise from The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO), the initiative aims to diversify income streams for farmers and build resilience against disasters that often besiege Zimbabwe.
Among the various innovative business initiatives introduced by this project is the Trek Mukwenya Beekeeping Association, nestled in the northern part of Zimbabwe, in the Guruve District. Comprising 10 individuals, including both men and women from diverse age groups, this group embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever.
Half of the members already possessed traditional beekeeping knowledge, placing barrels in trees to coax honey from the wild. The project presented a chance for them to embrace modern methods and a more sustainable approach. With one wooden hive per individual and essential resources such as beekeeping suits, smokers, propolis, and wax, they were equipped to embark on their beekeeping adventure.
The project also acknowledges the delicate balance of nature, providing saplings to be planted around the hives to encourage pollination, showing a commitment to the environment as well as to the livelihoods of these budding beekeepers.
Guided by comprehensive training on safe and effective beekeeping, the Trek Mukwenya Beekeeping Association soon turned their dreams into reality. Unity is their strength, and they pooled not only the resources they received from the project but also their own. Grouping their hives together in one location, they developed a constitution that outlines how they will support each other in honey production, marketing, and sales in the coming future.
Their determination bore sweet fruits, quite literally. Bottling and selling their honey in local communities marked the beginning of a newfound sense of pride and empowerment. As their honey found eager buyers, the members felt the power of community-driven change. They were no longer just individual beekeepers; they are now a force that championes growth, progress, and resilience.
With each harvest, their aspirations grow bolder. The Trek Mukwenya Beekeeping Association now dreams of expanding their reach beyond local markets. Their gaze set on regional supermarkets, and perhaps even national outlets, they hope to pool their resources again in the future to purchase additional hives, envisioning a professional and thriving beekeeping association.
As the honey flows and the income increases, the impact on the members' lives is immeasurable. It is not just about the financial gains, but the sense of purpose and camaraderie that reverberates through the group. The association serves as a platform where individuals support and uplift each other, advocating for change together.
They marvel at the new skills they acquired, blending them seamlessly with the work they had done in the past. It is a dance between tradition and modernity, each step leading to greater prosperity. With every drop of honey sold, the members find renewed hope, knowing that their hard work creates a ripple effect of positivity in their communities.
The income earned from the honey also brings stability and opportunities. Families that had once grappled with uncertainty now have brighter prospects for their children's education, better healthcare, and improved living conditions. The beekeeping journey has become a gateway to resilience and transformation, painting a brighter future for all those involved.