INTRODUCTION:

The Asali project in Isirwa village was established in 2022 with 20 pilot beehives. The project aims to support the Zara Charity Primary school and Maasai women in the village by providing employment opportunities and a source of income through the production and sale of honey and beadwork products.

Establishment of the project:

The project is managed by a local community-based organization in collaboration with Zara Charity, a non-profit organization that supports education and community development in Isirwa Village. The project received technical support from experts in beekeeping and honey production to ensure the success of the pilot phase.

IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT

The project has had a significant impact on the community in Isirwa village. The project has provided employment opportunities for the Maasai women and has improved their living conditions. The project has also supported the education of children from local families by donating a portion of the proceeds from honey sales to Ngorongoro Maasai Pre- school. The project has promoted sustainable tourism and has enhanced the local economy by providing a source of income through the production and sale of honey and beadwork products.

Supporting Ngorongoro Maasai Pre- school:

The Asali project provides support to Ngorongoro Maasai Pre-school by donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of honey to the school. This support helps the school to provide education to the children from the local families. The project also provides the children with honey as a nutritious food supplement.

Supporting Maasai women:

The project provides employment opportunities for the Maasai women in the village through their bead-making project. The women make beautiful and unique beadwork products that are sold in different shops in the Zara tours properties. The income generated from the sale of these products is used to support their families and to improve their living conditions. The project also provides training and capacity-building support to the women to improve their bead-making skills and enhance the quality of their products.

Honey production and sales:

The Asali project has also invested in modern equipment and facilities for honey extraction, processing, and packaging. The honey produced by the project is sold to tourists who visit the children or the project center. The honey is also sold in different shops in the Zara tours properties, providing a sustainable source of income for the project and promoting the local economy.

Conclusively, the Asali project is an excellent example of how sustainable tourism can positively impact local communities. The project has provided employment opportunities, supported education, and promoted economic development in the village. The project has also demonstrated the potential of beekeeping and honey production as a sustainable source of income for rural communities. The Honey project serves as a model for other community-based projects aimed at promoting sustainable development and community empowerment.