Empowering Gatundu Farmers Through Beekeeping: A New Dawn for Sustainable Livelihoods

Farmers in Gatundu North have received a significant boost in their farming practices through a comprehensive beekeeping training initiative. The Rosemary Kirika Foundation, in partnership with Bellafam Africa and Equity Bank, has successfully imparted essential apiculture skills to over 300 farmers drawn from various villages in Gituamba ward. This initiative is poised to revolutionize the agricultural landscape in the region by introducing beekeeping as a lucrative and sustainable source of income.

The programme, which culminated in the graduation of 60 Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) in Gituamba town, is designed to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in the beekeeping industry. Rosemary Kirika, the founder of the foundation and the Deputy Governor of Kiambu County, emphasized the importance of diversifying farming practices to enhance livelihoods. She noted that beekeeping, although a lucrative venture, has not been fully exploited in Gatundu North, and farmers should seize this opportunity to embrace it as a business.

The training provided to the farmers covered a wide range of topics crucial for successful beekeeping. These included general beekeeping techniques, honey bee biology and behavior, bee botany, beekeeping equipment, honey bee diseases, pests and predators, hive products processing and marketing, as well as product utilization and quality control. This comprehensive approach ensures that the farmers are well-prepared to manage their beekeeping ventures effectively and maximize their yields.

Kirika highlighted the high demand for bee products in the market, urging farmers to take advantage of this opportunity to generate substantial income. “There are many bee products that are in high demand in the market currently. The supply is very low, and this is an opportunity for our farmers to exploit so that they can earn a decent living,” she remarked. The training has not only equipped the farmers with the necessary skills but also instilled in them the confidence to venture into beekeeping, knowing that it can yield significant financial returns.

In addition to improving livelihoods, the programme is also aimed at addressing the issue of unemployment among the youth in the region. By providing alternative job opportunities through beekeeping, the initiative seeks to steer young people away from the perils of alcoholism and drug abuse. Kirika reiterated that her initiative is focused on empowering and supporting families against these social vices. “The programme is also aimed at providing alternative job opportunities to youths in the region and helping save the majority of youngsters from the jaws of alcoholism and drug abuse,” she said.

Looking ahead, Kirika revealed that the beekeeping programme would soon be rolled out in other wards across Kiambu County, with 300 farmers in each ward set to benefit. The foundation, along with its partners, is committed to supporting the farmers with essential equipment, including protective gear, to further boost their beekeeping activities. “This is one of the empowerment programmes that we are undertaking together with other partners,” Kirika added.

The impact of the training is already being felt on the ground, with farmers expressing optimism about the potential of beekeeping to transform their lives. Judy Nyokabi and Zacharia Muchiri, two of the trained farmers, lauded the initiative as a game-changer. Muchiri, who previously harbored doubts about beekeeping due to the perceived dangers of bees, expressed newfound confidence in the practice. “We are grateful for this training and the help that has been accorded to us. We are optimistic that we will thrive in the beekeeping business and improve our living standards,” he said.

Youth leaders in the region have also taken up the mantle to encourage their peers to embrace beekeeping as a viable alternative to traditional employment. Lazarus Kimani, a local youth leader, urged young people to explore the numerous opportunities in farming, particularly beekeeping. “There’s money in farming, and we have been taught that beekeeping can eke fortunes for us. I plead with my fellow youths to form groups and start this venture,” he said.

As Gatundu North farmers embark on this new journey, the beekeeping initiative stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable development and economic empowerment in the region.