Zimbabwe: Beekeeping offers opportunity to farming communities (IPS News)

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Amid the tranquil forests of Chimanimani, 400 kilometres from Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, the sound of buzzing honeybees fills the air as beekeeper Tanyaradzwa Kanangira tends to his beehives. With a puff of smoke—a safety measure—he carefully inspects honeycombs crafted by industrious bees.

In this agricultural hub, where communities traditionally rely on diverse farming practices including agroforestry and horticulture, climate change has brought increased floods and droughts, rendering both rain-fed and irrigation agriculture less dependable. In response, farmers like Mr. Kanangira are diversifying into apiculture to secure their livelihoods.

Mr. Kanangira, dressed in a bee suit that protects against stings, explains what it takes to set up an apiary. He says, “When you start an apiary, you need to think about things like where the bees will find food, what the weather is like, and how easy it is to get water.”

Another local beekeeper, Silence Dziwira, emphasizes the importance of chemical-free practices around apiaries, advocating for the planting of bushy trees to prevent soil erosion and maintain land integrity. Reflecting on her dedication, she recalls her first successful harvest in late 2023, which now supports local markets with quality honey.

While beekeeping is a longstanding tradition in Zimbabwe, modern methods like the sustainable Kenyan top bar hive have replaced traditional log hives, reducing deforestation. Today, Zimbabwe boasts more than 50,000 beekeepers, a testament to the sector’s growth and resilience.

Patrice Talla, FAO representative in Zimbabwe, highlights the pivotal role of initiatives like the Green Jobs project in supporting beekeepers with training in hive management, honey extraction, and business operations. He says, “Since its inception in 2021, the project has empowered 300 youth across communities, promoting employment, food security, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.”

To date, 319 beehives have been established in various locations, with Mr. Kanangira managing 48 hives, 13 of which are now home to Apis mellifera honeybees—a species crucial for pollination and ecosystem health.

Reflecting on gender dynamics, Mr. Kanangira acknowledges the transformative impact of beekeeping on women’s lives. His team includes seven women out of 11 members, signaling a shift towards inclusivity and empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

He says, “These women play a vital role in our success.” This underscores their contributions to the team’s achievements. With support from FAO, these beekeepers receive monthly stipends, empowering them economically and socially.

Looking ahead, Mr. Kanangira plans to expand honey sales to urban markets, envisioning a processing plant to manufacture value-added products like toothpaste and floor polish from bee-derived materials.

The FAO’s Green Jobs initiative, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), underscores the global commitment to sustainable development through youth empowerment and environmental stewardship.

In Zimbabwe, the project spans six districts, targeting young people like 26-year-old  Mr. Kanangira who see beekeeping not just as a livelihood but as a pathway to resilience and prosperity amidst climate challenges.

This story is adapted from an article written by Farai Shawn Matiashe for Inter Press Service, called “Beekeeping Offers Opportunity to Zimbabwean Farming Communities.” To read the full story, go to: https://www.ipsnews.net/2024/03/beekeeping-offers-opportunity-zimbabwean-farming-communities/