Zambia project 611-0205 · 1986 · agriculture

Evaluates OPG to Africare to introduce a village-based honey and beeswax production, processing, and marketing program in Zambia's western and central provinces. Final evaluation covers the period 10/83-8/86 and is based on visits to Zambia by U.S. specialists in apiculture and economics. The apiculture specialist found that the project, while 12-18 months behind schedule due to delays in assigning a resident manager to Kaoma and in constructing a honey processing plant and personnel housing there, is basically well-managed and has excellent potential for further success. The project has made great strides since Kaoma received a permanent manager in 5/85. A total of 356 new beekeepers have been recruited and the number should exceed 500 by the end of 1986. Extension work has included hands-on training of village beekeepers in bark hive construction, honey collection and grading, and beeswax processing and 1-week courses at a Farmer Training Center (completed to date by 41 beekeepers). The honey and wax being sold are of good quality, the beekeepers are enthusiastic, and the project seems to fill a real need. On the basis of these successes, a 2-year extension is recommended. On a n

Source: DEC abstract, XD-AAW-990-A (1986). The source's own text.