Self Help Africa has been engaged in a beekeeping development programme in Kenya, since the the organisation first began its collaboration with Baraka Agricultural College, and funded a beekeeping extension programme in partnership with BAC.
The ongoing beekeeping development programme continues its work with beekeeper associations in the districts of Baringo, Koibatek, Nakuru, Kericho and Bomet in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province.
The primary focus is on buildng and extending the capacity of these five associations to provide leadership and governance, and support the promotion and development of beekeeping activities at farm household, and at community levels.
Self Help Africa’s beekeeping outreach team works primarily through farmer to farmer trainers attached to each association, promoting best practice, a range of sustainable technologies and approaches to apiculture, and to support the sale and marketing of honey and other bee bi-products.
The project hosted a total of 11 residential beekeeping courses in partnership with Baraka Agricultural College during the year – covering a number of key areas, including an introduction to beekeeping, bee product processing, artisan training, and queen bee rearing and colony multiplication.
Three new demonstration apiraries were established, and extractors and other equipment was made available to support the work of local associations.
The Beekeeping programme is also represented on the Kenya Honey Council, which it was involved in creating in 2005 to promote and build opportunities for the apiculture in Kenya.
|
