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Beekeeping in Namibia
The Forestry Research & Development Project, funded by ODA (the United Kingdom Overseas Development Administration) first instigated study of the potential for beekeeping in Namibia. Nicola Bradbear made this initial study.
The outcome was that VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) beekeeper, Derek Sherratt, was recruited. His task was, over several years, to establish apiaries in several different areas. Derek is now nearing the end of his two year contract and someone is need to replace him. Here Derek describes his achievements.
SHORTAGE OF BEES
“Establishing apiaries proved to be difficult. Only a couple of swarms were found and we had to rely on reports of colonies in various places such as houses, schools, and trees. The lack of bees has been due to two factors:
- The dry conditions of the country,
- Honey hunting. This is widely practised. The honey is taken at the start of winter when the bees are less defensive because of the cold. Even if the colony manages to survive no food supplies are available, leading to starvation of the colony.
GOOD ADVICE
Bernhard Clauss’s books provided good practical ideas and these have been developed for local use. For example, top-bars initially had grooves in the middle for wax: now we just pour wax along the bar with the aid of guide stick.
Hive design has been an exciting and stimulating part of the project. A design taken from an Intermediate Technology plan for top-bar hive was used initially. However wood has a high value in Namibia and certain features were thought to be too elaborate for local production.
LOCAL LIKES
We have observed that bees have a liking for underground concrete stop tap boxes with a top entrance. We are trying to mimic this with a partially underground hive constructed in the same shape as a Kenya top-bar hive protruding out of the ground by few centimetres. Wood ash surrounds the hive to deter ants. This hive can be made of concrete or clay. The latter is very cheap, bringing the cost of the hive down from I10NS (30USS) to 25NS (7USS). Top-bars, made from local Kiaat wood (Pterocarpus angolensis), which does not warp (unlike the alternative South African pine) cost INS (0.3USS) each.
HONEY FOR SHOW
Last year honey was produced from Combretum colinum trees which flower profusely in August and produce delightful light honey with a taste similar to the wonderful aroma of the flowers. This was exhibited at the National Honey Show in London in November 1995.
Developing new project is not easy. We are working within the Directorate of Forestry. Finding staff to maintain sustainable service has been challenge. Mr Theodor Kaambu, who recently graduated from the forestry course at Ogongo started work on 2 January 1996 as forest ranger responsible for beekeeping extension in the north west of the country. A national beekeeping officer, Magdalena Mwanyangapo, was appointed in mid-January. We now feel we have the support and capability to introduce successful beekeeping programme within people's own communities.
Working in Namibia has been delight. Much work has been done including the establishment of trees to complement the beekeeping.
An advertisement for replacement for my position is shown on page 16 of this edition of B&D. would encourage any beekeeper who can give two years of their time to have go I. do not think that you would be disappointed.”
