adminAudrey Kativhu
NEWLY-ELECTED president of Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa, David Mukomana, has urged the youths to embark on beekeeping.
Apimondia is a non-governmental international organisation, which brings together beekeepers, honey producers, manufacturers of beekeeping equipment and a variety of scientists involved in apiculture, pollination, development and economics.
Addressing journalists in the capital, following his re-election last week as the president in Istanbul, Turkey, Mukomana spelt out his vision for the region and Zimbabwe.
“I grew up in rural areas and honey was one of the wild foods we used to consume when herding the cattle,” he said. I think there is need for the rural children, and youths, to be involved as they will produce good and pure honey.
“We have trained seven schools now and we are making progress and we hope to educate more schools about beekeeping in the future.”
Mukomana said he was upbeat they will complement the Government in efforts to create employment, through beekeeping. He also said there was a ready market for beekeepers.
“Zimbabwe will be on another level in terms of the international market.
“This is particularly getting traction due to its low cost of start-up capital as well as the drive which the Government, and development partners, are putting towards empowerment programmes targeting women and youths,” said Mukomana.
Speaking at the same event, honey processor Serena Chitape said:
“We are looking forward to breeding more beekeepers in Zimbabwe so that we can increase our national market.”
Meanwhile, a number of youth-driven projects are coming up with initiatives to boost honey production.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter