adminRunesu Gwidi in GUTU
SCORES of small-scale farmers in Chiguhune resettlement area here have embarked on beekeeping (apiculture) as a strategy to minimise veld fires which threaten to destroy pastures in the area. The new environmental management technique envisages that by engaging in bee- keeping farmers will be compelled to protect their beehives by preventing fires, which will indirectly protect forests.
The chairman of Gutu Rural District Council’s environment and agriculture committee, Councillor Lawrence Mapfumo, confirmed the latest development yesterday.
“Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, is the art, business and science of rearing honeybees for production of honey and its valuable by-products,” he said.
“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) engaged the farmers to consciously protect, conserve and manage sustainable forest resources”.
Cllr Mapfumo said beekeeping had proved to be a viable income-generating project for communities in both urban and rural areas.
Online Reporter