Bio-diversity

Project s background and major objectives: The project is aimed at promoting beekeeping and bee products processing among the members of the Namuswa community situated /located in Choma with a population of 9,312 this is according to the Central Statistical Office (CSO) report of 2000. More than half (51%) of the population were female and more than two thirds were children and youthful persons. Agriculture is the main stay of the community and most of the people depend on forests and woodland resources through charcoal production for sale and wood fuel for household needs and curing of tobacco. These activities have serious consequences for biodiversity. Namuswa community is challenged by the woodland depletion due to unjustifiable harvesting of woodland resources for charcoal production and wood fuel for tobacco (curing) production. This puts the community at greater risk as the land becomes less fertile, water levels and quality is compromised, wild animals and birds disappear. And overall food production is lessened thereby risking escalating poverty levels and increasing food insecurity. Project Objectives for this action; 1. To demonstrate the benefits of biodiversity conservation through sustainable bee keeping and honey harvesting 2. To increase household food security through income generation 3. To create value addition from beekeeping through production of propolis, wax and honey thereby fostering sustainable community livelihoods. 4. To increase the product range of the Namuswa community Food Processing Factory 5. To increase rural employment opportunities.

Zambia