{Gatsibo and Nyaruguru beekeepers and honey harvesters are bound to multiply productivity and gains from apiculture (bee farming and honey harvesting), following the acquisition of modern hives that will see them migrate away from using traditional ones.}
The modern hives that were donated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), over the weekend, at Kiziguro sector, Gatsibo district, are to benefit members of cooperatives in both districts, with production anticipated to increase from 2.5kgs to 40kgs per hive per harvest season.
“With traditional hives, we used to harvest 2.5kgs; but with modern ones, we are assured of harvesting 40kgs per hive. This will greatly improve our incomes and cast us into a position where we’ll be able to meet household needs and eventual development,” said Hakizimana Wenceslas, a beekeeper from Nyaruguru who talked to IGIHE.
The beekeepers say they have been trained to reap from forests in a sustainable manner, abstaining from felling the trees but to, instead, use them for apiculture.
During the recent monthly community work of planting trees in Gatsibo district, the representative of FAO Rwanda , Attaher Maiga revealed that in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources ,they have supported Gatsibo residents with various donations that will boost agricultural and apicultural productivity.
“It is essential that people get to know how forests contribute to food production. This project aims at improving livelihoods by engaging in growing mushrooms, fruits, and honey harvesting as alternatives to lumbering,” he said.
A total of 12 cooperatives have received modern hives in Gatsibo district and 58 in Nyaruguru.
The Minister of Natural Resources, Vincent Biruta has requested beneficiaries of modern hives to make a good use of the donations.
“We expect increased production among these cooperatives as well as other people running activities that can boost productivity and increase the country’s wealth for fast development,” he said.
FAO representative noted that the project is guaranteed for three years, partnering with 70 cooperatives of Gatsibo and Nyaruguru. FAO will be spending USD150,000 annually in promoting apiculture, mushrooms, horticulture and some medicinal plants growing.
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