THE District Outreach Apiculture Programme (DOAP) is helping people in Mutare and some parts of Nyanga South to venture into beekeeping projects.
BY STAFF REPORTER
DOAP is led by a Bindura University of Science Education student Godfrey Dongaronga who is also carrying out research and training around the country in order to fully utilise natural resources.
The areas chosen are synonymous with thick rain forest with a high density of bees that support the livelihoods of some members of this community.
Last month, DOAP conducted workshops aimed at capacitating communities in Mutare and Nyanga on modern trends in beekeeping, providing basic skills in marketing and financial management to participants.
The communities were trained on ways to increase honey yields, controlling diseases and pests that attack bees, controlling effects of pesticides on various species of bees, understanding behavioural characteristics of bees, marketing strategies, maintaining financial records and savings, community mobilisation and engagement for sustainable livelihoods.
“While beekeeping is an established practice, it was noted that hives are scattered all over, making it difficult to manage them. There is need, therefore, to introduce apiculture through perhaps establishment of demonstration apiaries,” reads a report complied after the Nyanga South workshop.
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“The demonstration apiaries will benefit both communities and students. It was noted that farmers lacked skills in marketing and financial management as well as Project Management,” added the report that proposes for short courses at Bindura University.
Beekeeping has been described as one of the thriving businesses mainly in Manicaland where there is a conducive climate.
