50317, Usevya, Kashamkulo Street, Katavi, Tz

At WASIMA, we recognize the pivotal role of women in influencing natural resource utilization and conservation efforts. Through innovative projects and community engagement, we empower women and uplift livelihoods while promoting biodiversity conservation in areas near protected zones.

Our Women and Livelihood program focuses on enhancing community livelihoods near protected areas through productive projects. Initiatives include beekeeping as an elephant deterrent measure and livelihood initiative, in partnership with Wild Survivors. These efforts provide essential skills and resources to women, strengthening their involvement in conservation and supporting sustainable livelihoods for local farmers.

Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Beekeeping and Backyard Chicken Rearing Initiatives

  • WASIMA is committed to advancing community-based conservation in rural western Tanzania through our new five-year strategic plan. In partnership with Wild Survivors, we have launched a beekeeping initiative aimed at reducing crop damage from elephants and creating income through bee products.

    This initiative builds on Wild Survivors’ successful approach in empowering marginalized farmers and women through beekeeping and innovative beehive fencing. Leveraging the expertise of women-led beekeeping enterprises at Wild Survivors, we are establishing four groups where women actively participate in beekeeping. This promotes a sustainable model of women-led livelihood ventures, ensuring their pivotal role in both conservation and community development efforts.

     

  • Our approach integrates wildlife conservation with sustainable livelihoods, fostering inclusive community engagement and environmental stewardship across rural Tanzania.
  • The project focuses on three key areas: community-based ecosystem livelihoods, forest restoration, and land use planning. By implementing a human-elephant coexistence strategy with tailored toolkit solutions, we aim to achieve comprehensive monitoring of elephants and biodiversity. This approach is crucial for enhancing the protection of elephant corridors, promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife, and improving the livelihoods of marginalized communities affected by wildlife.
  • In parallel with our beekeeping efforts, WASIMA operates a backyard chicken-rearing initiative aimed at empowering women within the community. Through comprehensive training in poultry management and entrepreneurship, women gain essential skills and resources to establish thriving chicken-rearing enterprises. This initiative has already provided sustainable income opportunities to 10 women, ensuring access to nutritious food for their families and contributing to local employment.