News

THE GAMBIA

After completing my training, I started beekeeping in 1996 with one top-bar hive. Now I manage over 40 top-bar hives. After harvesting I process the honey, filling small containers and walking around the town to sell it. When I realised how many customers I had I decided to open my shop. I sell also other bee products including beeswax, beeswax body cream, lip balm, honey in peanut butter and soap. I now supply supermarkets with my honey and value-added products.

My honey business has improved my livelihood. With the profits I pay for my children`s school fees and to buy materials to build my house. Beekeeping is a good business. Protect the bees wherever you are. Long live the bees!

Musa Gibba, President, National Beekeepers Association of The Gambia, Brikama

Musa Gibba in his honey shop in Lamin Village, Brikama

ZIMBABWE

Success Story

I would like to share with you the story of Working for Bees and Africa University celebrating success.

The main objective of the Project was for pollination of crops and as a training ground for students and communities to learn beekeeping and to take skills to their respective countries, conservation of natural resources within the campus, and safeguarding bee populations, as well as generating income for the university as the Project expands.

On campus Working for Bees trained nine participants from five countries: Angola, Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. On 24 June we harvested honey from the three apiaries at the campus. Fully capped honey was harvested - this is the fourth harvest since the University apiaries were established.

The University has agreed to expand the Project as a standalone farming activity. Working for Bees will continue to support the University offering mentorship and training.

Robert Mutisi, Working for Bees, Rusape

Our honey jar label