There is another project proposal that KIHO has submitted to the U.S. embassy last Friday. We asked for the support of a beekeeping group called Umoja wa Wafugaji Nyuki Vumari (UWAVU or “Union of the Beekeepers in Vumari”). Since 2010, UWAVU practices beekeeping in Ruvu, an area of high-tension along the Pangani river basin, an ideal place for beekeeping. In the meantime, also the Maasai community has become interested in this activity and want to join UWAVU. Consequently, they need some external support. Therefore, KIHO wrote a proposal in English for them, based on several discussions and meetings with UWAVU and the new Maasai members. They hope to receive 60 “modern” beehives, equipment and harvesting tools.
Some of the new Maasai member of UWAVU. This project which is dubbed “Involving the Maasai in Beekeeping: Reducing Conflict and Creating Household Income” can be a way forward to overcome the conflict between cattle-keepers, traditionally the Maasai, and farmers. Through this beekeeping project, UWAVU will have a sustainable income-generating opportunity to overcome poverty. In addition, UWAVU will conserve the environment and it will be a tool of women empowerment, because the majority of the Maasai members are women and they will be actively involved in the processing and marketing of the honey.
UWAVU promises to give 20% of the net profit to the local community of Njaktai sub-village which will go to community initiatives related to education, health, environment, and food security. Such kind of social responsibility is not really practiced in this area as of yet, and this could be the start of a bigger return for the local communities from successful businesses. KIHO will train the new members of UWAVU in managerial, administrative and financial matters. Such training will allow the Maasai members to eventually form a group of their own. Moreover, KIHO will provide marketing strategies to increase profit and potential markets. Yet, the most important thing for the moment is to get the grant from the U.S. embassy in the first place. So please keep the fingers crossed!
UWAVU promises to give 20% of the net profit to the local community of Njaktai sub-village which will go to community initiatives related to education, health, environment, and food security. Such kind of social responsibility is not really practiced in this area as of yet, and this could be the start of a bigger return for the local communities from successful businesses. KIHO will train the new members of UWAVU in managerial, administrative and financial matters. Such training will allow the Maasai members to eventually form a group of their own. Moreover, KIHO will provide marketing strategies to increase profit and potential markets. Yet, the most important thing for the moment is to get the grant from the U.S. embassy in the first place. So please keep the fingers crossed!
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