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Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Correspondent
AT least 200 of the 800 Makoni youths who were trained in apiculture are now reaping the rewards of the self-sustaining projects that also act as forest management and conservation solutions.
The youths received the training courtesy of Manicaland Zanu PF Youth League provincial leadership with the support of Allied Timbers. The youths were also equipped with the tools of the trade to kick-start the projects.
Zanu PF Makoni District secretary for youth affairs, Cde Stanley Sakupwanya said the 200 youths who received their beehives in May are now able to self-sustain themselves and their families.
The 200 beehives were distributed in May throughout the constituencies of Makoni Central, Makoni South, Makoni North and Headlands.
Cde Sakupwanya said through Allied Timbers, the beneficiaries have already identified viable markets for the honey products locally and internationally.
“In a bid to empower our youths so that they do not remain dependant and idle, we engaged Allied Timbers. The company assisted us in training the youths on beekeeping. They also supplied off-cuts for the beehives production.
“In Makoni District we managed to send four trainers for an intensive training on the beekeeping process.
“After they were certified, we managed to do roll-out projects and trained 800 youths on apiculture. After training them, we chose the first 200 beneficiaries. We are proud to announce that everything is now in place and the beneficiaries are reaping the rewards of their efforts,” he said.
Cde Sakupwanya said the trainings are ongoing as they have a target of training 2 000 youths by the end of the year.
“We have trained another 100 youths on top of the 800 that we initially started with in December. We will continue to deliver more bee-hives free of charge to youths. Through Allied Timbers, we will continue to source for more export markets for the products.
“By December, all trained youths should have received their beehives. Our target is to train 2 000 youths in apiculture,” he said.
The youths are using the Kenyan top bar type of beehives, which according to various researches produce quality honey.
The project facilitators monitor the youths’ projects to ensure that they produce quality honey which meets international standards.
“Sustainable bee farming has tremendous rewards, not only to the farmer, but to the environment as it helps mitigate climate change,” he said.
Online Reporter