‘Beekeeping key to rural development’

Agriculture Reporter
Beekeeping has the potential to increase employment, while the value addition of the apiculture industry will spur rural development and increase income and economic growth as outlined in the Agenda for Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset). This was said by Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made at the Beekeeping Expo (APi-Expo 2014) which is being hosted in Harare, for the first time.

Participants include beekeepers, researchers, honey processors and equipment suppliers from Mozambique, Italy, France, China, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa and Kenya.

Dr Made said beekeeping could generate employment and raise family incomes, particularly in the rural communities.
“APi-Expo 2014 presents opportunities for developing business linkages and networks amongst beekeeping actors, notably producers, buyers and service providers from diversified markets around the world,” said Dr Made.

“Zimbabwe will also have an opportunity to promote its beekeeping sector alongside its tourism and other sectors related to beekeeping.”
Dr Made said the expo would offer an opportunity of an experience to all stakeholders as the event will include several concurrent events like conferences, exhibitions and technical tours taking place during the week.

“This is a key trigger of intra-regional dialogue, synergies, partnerships and solutions,” said Dr Made.
“In the Zim-Asset blueprint, the value addition and beneficiation cluster acknowledges the role of apiculture in contributing to diversified production with minimum investment and enhanced agro processing.”

ApiTrade Africa chairperson Mr Harun Baiya said he was impressed with the standards of the Api-Expo 2014 which he said would promote the sector to gain access to new countries.

“The expo has put Zimbabwe on the map of apiculture,” he said.
“We are prepared to offer technical assistance to those in beekeeping and we are grateful to the Zimbabwean Government for supporting the event.”

Api-Expo 2014 chairperson, Mr Joseph Gondo, said there was need for training and capacity building for local beekeepers to overcome their challenges.
“We should have regulatory frameworks that would enable beekeepers to overcome challenges,” he said.

The Api-Expo, which is running under the theme “Beekeeping for economic Empowerment in Africa” will run until October 11.