The
cooperative Cizenda Tae
(meaning in Sena language “we are not joking”) was formed in 2006
as an important component of a wider project sponsored by CeLIM
and Caritas, aiming
at alleviating poverty and promoting rural self-reliance in the
vulnerable districts of Mopeia
and Morrumbala, in
the central region of Mozambique. The Zambezia
province in fact cyclically experiences climate uncertainty due to
periods of drought and flood, making agriculture, the primary
activity that generates income, a precarious source of revenue and
food.
Finally,
beside buying, processing and selling honey in the cities of
Quelimane and Nampula, the Cooperative Cizenda Tae offers
practical and educational support to its members and organizes
professional training courses for all those interested in learning
beekeeping.
Thus,
beekeeping has been identified as an activity particularly
appropriate to generate an extra income for local communities in a
wise and sustainable way. Beside not having any negative ecological
impact, beekeeping
specifically encourages environmental conservation of the
local habitat and maintenance
of biodiversity.
Beekeepers use locally available resources and inputs in total
respect of the environment and their activities do not require the
cleaning of indigenous plants, as conservation of the local nectar-
and pollen- production vegetation is fundamental to ensure honey
production.Moreover,it is in the interest of the members of the Cooperative not to use
pesticides on crops and promote avoidance of harmful chemical
products, which can kill bees. In essence, by taking care of
bees, the Cooperative Cizenda
Tae takes care of the environment!
To order our honey or get more information about our training sessions, please contact Mr. José Semente (+258 82 67 02 694) or Casa Agraria de Mopeia (+258 24 74
0006)
