News
Why herders are turning to the bee
Larinkoi ole Kone checks one of his beehives on his farm in Kilonito location in Kajiado Central District. He has switched from pastoralism to beekeeping after losing his herd during the recent long drought that hit the region. Photo/PETERSON GITHAIGA
Posted Saturday, April 17 2010 at 21:00
In Summary
- After loss of livestock due to drought, pastoralists are now willing to try other activities to make a living
Esther Solonka, the district beekeeping officer, advised the women to apply for assistance from the World Bank project to buy proper beehives; their proposal was subsequently approved.
Lanoi Mpoke, the project mobilising officer, said the group bought 10 hives at a cost of Sh39,000.
After receiving the hives late last year, the women placed them on a strategic plot where they immediately attracted bees. The group started to harvest the honey last month, and the beekeeping officer has told them to expect not less than 20 kilogrammes from every hive.
“We are very excited at the prospects of this bumper harvest,” a woman called Nashipae said.
Now the group is busy planning what to do with the honey and other by-products.
To ensure a steady supply of honey, the women have embarked on a tree planting project and have already established a tree nursery for indigenous and fruit trees on a one-acre plot.
RSS