Manicaland communities reap bee-keeping rewards

By Letwin Mubonesi
COMMUNITIES in Manicaland are benefiting from apiculture since it offers quick returns on investment and generates employment to rural people while preserving the natural resources. The District Outreach Apiculture Programme director, Mr Godfrey Dongaronga said bee-keeping is a form of agriculture that immensely supports livelihoods of rural communities.
“Manicaland is ideal for bee-keeping given its trees and the frequency of rainfall, which boost apiculture in areas.

“We should utilise our resources so as to earn a living and to build the capacity of communities in modern bee farming techniques and production of bee by-products,” said Mr Dongaronga.

He said bee-keeping improves the economic growth of the farmers, restricting the immigration of rural youth to urban areas.
It also helps in holistic development of rural society, hence farmers should fully capitalise on it.

“It can be a thriving business that acts for many, as a way out of poverty and a source of income. It can also transform Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.”
He bemoaned the problems encountered by bee-keepers such as climate change, financial constraints and lack of knowledge among the farmers, which contributes to low production of honey in the country.

“Financial constraints have become the major problem that hinders honey production. As an organization we are not in a position to fund apiculture, and we are appealing to government to assist.

“We also need more advanced harvesting equipment such as smokers to discourage bee farmers from using fires which can also put the rainforest at risk of veld fires during harvesting,” said Mr Dongaronga.

There are also many ecological problems limiting bee-keeping industry such as deforestation.
Trees are being cut at an ever-faster rate due to demands for fuel and more land for growing intensive input cash crops for example tobacco and cotton.

Lack of information can also hinder honey production and more resources are needed to enable the necessary training and knowledge sharing.
The Government should also set demonstration areas so that communities will learn projects to cater for themselves.

Bee-keeping produces honey which can be traditionally used in various diet preparations, medicines, cosmetics, ointments and household items. It also has health benefits.