Simbo women to benefit from honey revitalization project
Simbo women to benefit from honey revitalization project
BEE-Keepers from Simbo Island are benefiting from the Honey Revitalization project officially launched in Lengana village a week ago.
The project is an initiative of the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Program (PHAMA Plus) and the Gizo Women in Business to help create economic opportunities for local communities especially women.
It engages a group of 100 rural women in honey production and addresses the challenges posed by varroa mite infestations in Simbo.
Simbo women bee-keepers
At the launching Blondie Akwasia from PHAMA Plus said PHAMA Plus is proud to support the project, marking its first venture into the honey and beekeeping industry.
“This initiative aligns with our BQS strategy and aims to revitalize the local honey sector, creating inclusive economic opportunities for local communities and sustainable industry growth.”
“Despite various challenges, such as lack of necessary infrastructure, limited access to training and resources, and environmental factors like climate change, honey still offers enormous opportunities for economic growth.”
“Examples of reasons include high honey prices at an average of SBD$500/kg due to limited availability of honey supply as well as biosecurity laws in Solomon Islands restricting the import of honey,” Ms. Akwasia said.
Blondie Akwasia from PHAMA Plus
By leveraging local resources, providing appropriate training, and establishing strong market and sector linkages, honey can continue to significantly enhance rural livelihoods and contribute to economic development.
The launching provided the opportunity to visit “Hunter Valley Garden,” the designated site for the beekeeping project, where bees were collected from Ulawa Islands.
Among those who witnessed the launching are Mr. William Rowell, First Secretary, Economic Cooperation, Australian High Commission, Mr. Nelson Kere, Policy and Economic Advisor, New Zealand High Commission, Ms. Samantha Maeke, Country Manager, PHAMA Plus Program, and Mrs. Esther Suti, Director, Gizo Women in Business.
A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Division in the Western Provincial government also attended the ceremony.
Meanwhile beekeepers thanked the Australian and New Zealand governments, PHAMA Plus, and Gizo Women in Business, for supporting the project revitalization.
The current phase will end in June 2026, with PHAMA Plus assisting private and public sector operators in meeting market access requirements, including border controls, sustainable product sourcing, food safety, and traceability.
