Beekeeping project to protect trees

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

Farmers in the Matepatepa area in Bindura are looking at beekeeping as a way of protecting forests from those using firewood to cure their tobacco.

The Forestry Commission has introduced beekeeping to Matepatepa and has established 45 beehives and trained 75 farmers to start the project.

The beekeeping project will force farmers to protect the forests where their bees forage.

The introduction of the project follows the successful roll-out of a similar project in the Mutasa, Manicaland, where Allied Timbers provided 4 000 beehives to 2 000 farmers.

Forestry Commission’s acting deputy director general, Mr Lewis Radzire said they are extending the program to all districts across the country.

“In Mutasa, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni initiated the beekeeping program with support from Allied Timbers,” he said.

“Out of the 4 000 beehives given to the farmers, 50 percent have been colonised. We are helping the farmers find a market.

“The demand for honey is high, and it is a product that can improve the livelihoods of communities. Unlike traditional agriculture, beekeeping is not affected by drought and does not require additional inputs.”

Ward 3 Councillor Soul Gomwe said the resettlement area has enough trees to sustain the project.

He also highlighted the medicinal properties of honey and said this will benefit the local community.

“We have been severely affected by this year’s drought, and beekeeping offers an alternative livelihood. We are optimistic that this project will help conserve our forests,” said Councillor Gomwe.