Intervida helps a group of bee honey-producers in El Salvador improve their skills and income
Madrid (23/05/2008). In El Salvador, 40% of the population lives in the rural area, where a large part of the population is dedicated to agricultural production. The majority of these families cultivate for family consumption, designating their small surplus to sale in order to generate economic income. Life in the rural areas is not easy and many people opt to migrate to urban areas or foreign countries. Small farmers face difficulties, such as poverty – 36% of rural households are poor – and the lack of technical training and skills.
This situations exists in many communities with which INTERVIDA works to support various agricultural business and self-employment development efforts. One example of this is found in the Usulután Department, where the organization supports a new group of beekeepers in the exploitation, processing and sale of bee honey.
This collaboration is slowly bearing fruit. The producers have received the equipment and material needed to effectively exploit 160 beehives ; they have also received technical training. In 2007, more than 2,000 liters of honey were produced, which represents an important economic benefit for these beekeepers.
This year, the experience will continue with the addition of several new elements. One important effort will include the search for new commercialization opportunities, such as the sale of the product in markets, fairs or parks, and contacting and approaching intermediaries and honey buyers with the aim of negotiating the optimal conditions and benefits.
In 2008, some 2.27 hectares of land will be reforested with nectar-poliniferous plants which are selected and adapted to the alimentary conditions of bees and which can thereby improve the quantity and quality of the honey produced. Trainings will also be continued on the best bee-keeping and production practices. One of the obvious aims for this year is to be able to increase the production of bottles and exceed the quantity produced in 2007.
About INTERVIDA
FUNDACIÓN INTERVIDA is a nonpartisan, nondenominational and independent development NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Its objective is to contribute to sustainable human development towards improving the living conditions of the most disadvantaged communities around the world. Currently, INTERVIDA is active in various countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, offering its support to nearly five million people.
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