Dhamar: The office of the General Authority for Zakat in Dhamar Governorate has launched a significant project aimed at empowering 75 families in beekeeping, honey production, and marketing within the Wasab Al-Safil District. The initiative involves a substantial investment of 95 million riyals and forms part of a broader series of economic empowerment projects.
According to Yemen News Agency, the project entails the distribution of 1,875 beehives to beneficiary families in Bani Sawadah, Wadi Al-Khashab, and Al-Majouhi. This initiative is financially supported by the General Authority for Zakat in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the local authority, the Binyan Development Foundation, the Wasab Al-Safil Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Association, and the Al-Munirah Beekeepers Cooperative Association in Al-Hodeida Governorate.
During the launch event, Ibrahim Al-Mutawakkil, the Director of the General Authority for Zakat branch in the governorate, emphasized the Authority's commitment to executing economic empowerment projects for zakat-eligible groups. These initiatives are designed to improve the living and economic conditions of beneficiaries, facilitating their transition from dependency to productivity.
Al-Mutawakkil elaborated that the project encompasses the provision of essential beekeeping equipment, tools for honey production, filtration and purification equipment, and an integrated packaging line with capacities ranging from 100 ml to 750 ml. The project is implemented in coordination with various stakeholders to boost honey production and provide a sustainable income source for the families involved.
He further explained that the General Authority for Zakat sees this as more than just a temporary project. It aims to expand into other areas such as cattle breeding and the production of milk, meat, and ghee, with studies on these ventures currently underway.
The Director highlighted that the Authority is committed to delivering zakat funds to eligible recipients, such as the poor and needy, through sustainable projects. Notably, the project targets approximately 4,500 beneficiaries across the governorate, with each receiving 20,000 riyals.
The launch event was attended by several local officials, including Mohammed Al-Alawi, Head of the Planning, Development, and Finance Committee of the Local Council in Wasab Al-Safil District, and Ali Al-Alawi, Director of the Zakat Authority branch in the district. They affirmed the transparency and legal compliance of the Authority's projects and highlighted the benefits these initiatives bring to the district, far exceeding the zakat collected from the area.
Hashim Al-Kahlani, Director of the Empowerment Projects Department at the Zakat Authority, emphasized the formation of productive groups at the village level, in collaboration with the Wasab Al-Safil Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Association. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation among beekeepers and support the marketing of Wasabi honey using modern methods.
The Head of the Beekeepers Association in Al-Munirah District also recognized the project's significance in providing income-generating opportunities for poor families, noting the high quality and market demand for Wasabi honey.
Engineer Abdulraqeeb Al-Salhi, Planning Officer of the Wasab Al-Safil Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Association, discussed the project's role in expanding honey production and introducing modern technologies to improve production processes. The association will assist in purchasing and marketing honey and providing extension services to beneficiaries.