The African Development Bank, in partnership with SERUKA, a national women’s organization focusing on women’s economic empowerment in Rwanda has launched the Rwanda Honey Value Chain Project, which aims to enhance honey production in the country.
The African Development Bank has approved a grant of approximately US $343,000 (280 million Rwandan Francs) to implement the project. The project will work directly with grassroots businesses. The implementing agency, SERUKA, is a reputable non-governmental organization with a sound track record in supporting grassroots economic empowerment initiatives in Rwanda.
The event was attended by representatives from the Rwanda Agriculture Board, the Rwanda Governance Board, the President of the Board, senior government officials, representatives of SERUKA, representatives of beekeepers’ cooperatives and associations, as well as private-sector players in the honey value chain.
The overall goal of the Rwanda Honey Value Chain Project is to enhance the capacity of honey production cooperatives to access formal markets. The project targets 1,000 beneficiaries in Rulindo District, 80% of whom are women.
It will support the targeted cooperatives through provision of simple equipment to improve production; training in honey production in accordance with the Apiary Code; and in basic business skills. It will also rehabilitate the Murambi Honey Collection Centre in order to meet certification requirements of the Rwanda Standards Board.
“Agriculture is one of the sectors identified by the Rwandan Government to drive growth. In line with this, the Rwanda Agriculture Board is promoting the apiary sub-sector – including bee and bee products, and silkworm production under the category of commercial insects. This project will also support women’s empowerment in the apiary sub-sector by effectively participating in the value chain,” said Halima Hashi, Principal Country Program Officer at the Bank’s Country Office in Rwanda.
The project will also provide candle-making equipment to enable the Murambi Honey Collection Centre add value to the by-products. SERUKA will also facilitate linkages between the Honey Collection Centre and established retail chains as well as honey processors and exporters.
Credit: afdb
