Strengthening the supports and the opportunities for rural householders to engage in beekeeping as an income generating activity is the primary focus of the National Beekeeping Development Programme that Self Help Africa is involved in implementing in Eritrea.
The organisation has supported the establishment, and operation of a queen bee rearing centre outside Mendefera, supports a range of activities which support the production and cultivation at local level of bee fodder plants, and through training and other measures assists rural communities to become productive beekeepers.
More than 30 technicians have been trained by the programme in queen bee rearing techiques, while nearly 800 others have been assisted with training in beekeeping management. A national association has also been created to provide a support network for beekeepers, and market honey products in the country.
A beekeeping manual that has been produced to provide practical advice, and addresses management issues around apiculture has been produced and circulated to more than 500 rural households, while artisan training in hive production has also taken place.
Self Help Africa is working in partnership with the local Ministry of Agriculture to improve access to bee colonies in the Debub, Maekel, Anseba, Gash Barka and SKB regions, and is also assisting with the production of hives, planting of bee fodder plants including cactus in dry areas, and with access to tools and equipment for the production, collection and storage of honey.
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