A number of cooperatives supported by the project, including KOTEKA and TWITEZIMBERE INDATWA beekeeping cooperatives attended the event where nearly 48 different organizations from different background had gathered. In Nyagatare, the vent also coincided with the sensitization campaign to fight against gender based violence (GBV) organized by the Ministry of Family and Gender Promotion in the District.For beekeeping cooperatives working with FIOM Rwanda in Nyagatare District, the open day was an excellent opportunity for networking as it allowed to interact with other development stakeholders in the District, but also to expose what they are doing. Members of KOTEKA Beekeeping cooperatives attended the event, and they were all excited by the networking opportunities offered by the event. Mukamuhire Solange, chairperson of the cooperative based in Rwimiyaga sector indicated that they were able to sale honey at 5000 Rwf/kg, and their total sales amounted 350,000 Rwf. Similar sales performance were recorded by other cooperatives participating to the event.
Commenting on networking benefits, she indicated that participants who visited FIOM Rwanda stand were excited about the work being accomplished by the cooperatives, and they collected cooperative members’ contact details so that they can maintain contact and exchange business related information. The price at which their honey was sold was a premium price, and it was a source of motivation for members of their cooperative, who are then capable of significantly increasing their income and cater for a variety of needs, such as paying for their families’ health insurance, paying for their children’s school needs and other family related expenses.
Similarly, the open day in Kayonza District was an excellent opportunity for beekeepers, not only for networking, but also for advertising their products and making significant financial gain through sale of their honey and honey products. Representatives from DUTUBURUBUKI, COPROMA and COPANYAKA beekeeping cooperatives attended the event, and they were encouraged by what they accomplished. All those coopetives are supported by FIOM Rwanda through the Pro-Bee project.
Cooperative representatives who attended the event were all encouraged by contacts made as well as the sale performances during the event. Mukakalisa Regina, a member of CATIKA beekeeping cooperative located in kabarondo sector, was among those who attended the open day event in Kayonza district. She says that beekeeping profession has helped her to develop, and she urges women to embark on beekeeping activities as these represent a significant source of income. She points out that, besides generating income for beekeepers, beekeeping helps protecting the environment, with a positive effect on lives of women and children.During the open day events, employees of FIOM RWANDA and members of cooperatives sponsored by Fiom Rwanda showcased how honey is processed and bottled. They demonstrated how honey is extracted using appropriate machines and how it is bottled to ensure standardization and quality, in the best interest of customers. The Open days were attended by local non-governmental organizations, International organization, cooperatives and companies operating from Nyagatare and Kayonza districts with the aim to make known the activities they do for population.
