Sida supports Engineers Without Borders Sweden in Sustainable Beekeeping Initiative
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Clara timothy, project leader of the durable beekeeping for sustainable livelihoods project.
For the first time, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is funding a project by Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE). The initiative, Durable Beekeeping for Sustainable Livelihoods, Environmental Protection, and Rural Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation, aims to strengthen small-scale beekeepers in north-western Tanzania and is a collaboration with our long term partner Mavuno Project.
Beekeeping is a vital source of off-farm income in Tanzania, but traditional methods often result in low yields and threaten bee colony health. With Sida’s support, EWB-SWE is able to realize this project focusing on introducing modern beekeeping techniques, to increase honey production, support environmental sustainability and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
Local Engagement for Long-Term Impact
The project, which started in October 2025, aims to establish 25 fully functional, democratically managed cooperatives involving over 9,000 farmers. The goal is to train farming cooperatives in beekeeping, leadership, business skills, and environmental care so they can continue and grow their activities after the project ends.
Local representatives from Mavuno Project will lead the honey processing unit and training efforts, ensuring that knowledge remains in the community and that the introduced methods have lasting effects.
- This is a very important project for both the local community and the Mavuno Project. It offers poor farmers a real opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty, with a lasting impact for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for the support from Sida and for our collaboration with Engineers Without Borders Sweden, says Charles Bahati, Director of the Mavuno Project.
A Milestone for Engineers Without Borders Sweden
Sida’s support marks a significant milestone for EWB-SWE, recognizing the organization’s commitment to sustainable development through engineering solutions. The beekeeping project exemplifies how technical expertise can drive both environmental and social progress together with the local community in Tanzania. Sida’s support secures funding for the duration of the project, spanning October 2025 to December 2028.
- We are very happy for the support from Sida and are looking forward to the collaboration with Sida and Mavuno Project, says Marianne Grauers, acting Secretary General EWB-SWE.
Marianne Grauers, Acting secretary general ewb-swe.
charles bahati, Director of the Mavuno Project.
