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Blessing Rwizi Post Correspondent —
BEEKEEPERS in WARD 18 of Chimanimani District have expressed concern over market shortages and knowledge on how to practice effective beekeeping and boost their livelihoods.
More than 40 farmers are engaged in beekeeping, but most of them do not have ready markets for their produce.
The few buyers who are coming to buy are offering very low prices.
Tsuro Trust, Environmental Africa and Caritas organisations have been assisting farmers with timber off-cuts to construct the beehives.
In an interview, one of the apiarists, Mr Tarisai Mukazhi, said besides market challenges, it was taking long for the bees to get into their hives because of high temperatures being experienced in the area.
“This area is too hot, so it takes time for the bees to enter our hives. With the few hives that already have the bees, I have been managing together with other few farmers, but we need more buyers to come and buy our produce at reasonable prices. $2 per kilogramme is too low. We also need knowledge on how to practice effective apiculture so that we boost livelihoods in our community,” said Mr Mukazhi.
Mr Shadreck Chirongwe of the same ward also said: “What we are looking forward to in our community is change of livelihoods.
“Some have taken up crop farming to greater levels with assistance from different organisations. I own a garden where I am growing horticultural products and now I am moving into apiculture. I therefore urge other farmers to follow suit and earn extra cash to take care of their families as well as sending their children to school.”
Zimbabwe has potential to produce 500 000 litres of honey per year. The current honey production levels is estimated at 70 000 litres from nearly 16 000 bee farmers across the country.
Online Reporter