Africa celebrates World Bee Day

David Mukomana President – Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe

Africa joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Bee Day on 20 May 2019. The official celebrations took place at FAO HQ in Rome, where the African Region was represented by myself and Phillimon Kiemi, a young and ambitious beekeeper who is doing amazing things in his village of Singida, Tanzania. The message shared at the global celebrations, is about the need for Africa to take full advantage of the bee population from the Cape to Cairo for the benefit of Africa’s food security.

Dr Peter Kozmus – Apimondia Acting President, Mr Phillimon Kiemi – President of SYECCOS and Mr David Mukomana – Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa President at the World Bee Day Celebration in FAO, Rome

© Photo Peter Kosmus

Kenya celebrations

World Bee Day celebrations in Kenya were held at the Railway Club grounds organised by Apiculture Platform of Kenya (APK) in collaboration with the National Government of Kenya, stakeholders and Nairobi City Government. The event was well organised with more than eight meetings. Participation by stakeholders from different constituencies was encouraging, including honey displayed by 32 exhibitors. The exhibition allowed many people to interact with beekeepers and honey processors increasing awareness among the public of the importance of bees and how vibrant the sector is in Kenya.

Guest of Honour, Hon Harry Kimtai, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture (Livestock), delivered encouragement towards Kenya becoming one of the largest honey producers in Africa.

World Bee Day celebrants in Kenya

© Photo Frederick Otieno Odera

Tanzania celebrations

In Tanzania World Bee Day was celebrated with Dr Hamisi Kigwangala, Minister of Natural Resources, announcing the giant step the Government has taken to support beekeeping initiatives in the country through establishment of co-operatives and at least ten honey processing factories. The Government of Tanzania acknowledges the role bees play as pollinators in the ecosystem, and budget has been allocated in 2019/2020 to roll out new initiatives.

Celebrations in Dodoma were graced by the Former Prime Minister, Mr Pinda who has motivated many beekeepers in Tanzania. The World Bee Day Celebrations were a perfect platform for every Tanzanian to know about the massive potential in beekeeping given the demand for honey globally and Tanzania’s current production of 4,800 tonnes.

Nigeria celebrations

Nigeria celebrated World Bee Day too: Nigeria Youth for Apiculture Initiative members took time to share with kindergarten children, talking about the benefits of bees. Investing in the young through apiculture will aid in promoting a sustainable future for all and increase job opportunities within Nigeria.

Ms Chi Okafor – Secretary-General of Nigeria Youth for Apiculture Initiative – explaining to children about beekeeping equipment

© Photo Chi Okafor