BUBANZA, November 29th (ABP) – Beekeepers in Bubanza province (northwestern Burundi) ask for support for the promotion of beekeeping, given the constraints that hinder the development of this type of farming, we a check on site by ABP has revealed.
Obstacles to the development of beekeeping mentioned by some members of the Cooperative of Young Graduate Beekeepers of Burundi (COJAD), that the check by ABP contacted, include the lack of suitable spaces for beekeeping.
The latter would like to practice this activity far from the fields because, they explain, insecticides sprayed on plants kill the bees and production decreases.
The lack of space for growing flowers and sunflowers that bees need, but also, which are used in the transformation of honey into various beauty products, is another challenge they face. Those members of COJAD deplore that even beekeepers still consider this farming type as a simple occupation, and do not do it for profit, due to a lack of knowledge and modern equipment.
COJAD leader Ndayikengurukiye indicates that their cooperative has a project to manufacture pharmaceutical products, such as syrups from honey, mixed with lemon, and others.
He requests the valorization of this farming because, he says, it can be beneficial to households and the country, and contribute to the success of the 2040/2060 vision. His other wish is the facilitation of the exchange of experiences between beekeepers of Burundi and those from elsewhere.
It is worthy to note that this cooperative already has 527 hives full of bees, in the five districts of the Bubanza province.