BEEKEEPING is proving to be a lucrative business for at least 50 000 beekeepers across the country, driven by the growing demand for honey products on both domestic and international markets. Emerging trends under cluster programmes are opening new avenues for smallholder farmers to thrive in the sector.It is a business that may come with a sting, but one that is equally loaded with sweet returns.
Beekeeping is fast becoming a rewarding venture for local farmers, with honey production unlocking abundant opportunities for communities, boosting household incomes while also helping to protect the country’s forests.
Among the beneficiaries are Ms Rumbidzai Mukanga and Ms Judith Guchu, members of the Chikomba Honey Cluster, one of several working groups under the ZimTrade-led honey production initiative.
Having been in the business for five years, they say the cluster model has transformed their operations.
They have been in this business for the past five years and they reflect on the opportunities the cluster has unlocked for them.
“ Since the introduction of the cluster programmes by ZimTrade, the quality of our honey has improved and so is the income. There are a lot of advantages that are coming through working as a group rather than as an individual,” Ms Mukanga said.
“The vision is now almost clear, we look forward to expanding beyond our current status,” Ms Guchu added.
To boost production status, ZimTrade in partnership with Australian Aid has provided over 200 apiaries to beekeepers in Sengwe Village in Chikomba District.
Ms Jacqueline Gowe, an expert apiarist, says the sector offers a huge scope for local farmers.
“There is huge opportunity for local farmers, just the other day we were looking at Rwanda. They are faced with bee colony decline and that would be a huge opportunity for our farmers and a very easy market to tap into, especially with the Africa Continental Free Trade agreement. Some of our bee keepers will be going to Algeria, and we hope they will come back with a lot of orders.”
Government notes honey production is a vital cog to the rural industrialisation agenda, with strong value addition chains be established, as well as promoting training programmes for the farmers.
