 ZATAC's
effort to develop strong linkages between smallholders and agribusinesses
through technology-sharing and contract production/marketing agreements
is not limited to urban areas alone. ZATAC is presently working with Zambia's
small-scale resource-poor producers in such remote places as North-Western
Province, where it is assisting them to diversify into beekeeping to boost
household income. The goal is to train 3,000 beekeepers from around Zambia's
Miombo Forests on proper production, harvesting, and handling of certified
organic honey for export. Through ZATAC, USAID has made it possible for
these smallholders to move from traditional beekeeping toward using top
bar hives, which enable them to sustainably produce greater volumes of
honey and other products not producible in traditional beehives. It is
estimated that the average bee-keeper will increase their annual income
by at least about 40 percent a season. |
