July 25, 2024-A new honey factory in the village of Gorongosa is expected to boost the local honey value chain and promote sustainable beekeeping practices.
The state-of-the-art factory features specialized sections for honey reception, processing, decanting, bottling and labeling, finished products and quality control.
With a capacity to process 1,000 kg of honey per day and 100 tons per year, the factory is set to enhance the economies of local communities surrounding Gorongosa National Park.
In 2023, more than 550 beekeepers (including 154 women) harvested nine tons of honey in five districts surrounding the park. To ‘sweeten the deal’ some of the honey comes from beehive fences that protect farms from crop-raising elephants. Integrating beehives into local orchards also helps boost coffee and cashew yields by up to 50%.
The honey processing facility is supported by the High Commission of Canada, the Embassy of Ireland and the Gorongosa Restoration Project.
Gorongosa District Administrator Pedro Mussengue led the inauguration ceremony, attended by Míguel Rombe of the High Commission of Canada, representatives of the Gorongosa District Government, Park partners and employees.
