Empowering Kayonza Beekeepers: A Sustainable Buzz in the Making
In a strategic move, Akagera National Park unveils a 120,000-hectare buffer zone, extending support to beekeepers in the Eastern Province. This initiative, part of a broader plan to combat poaching and illegal activities, aims to provide alternative income sources for local communities.
Dual Role of the Buffer Zone The newly designated buffer zone serves a dual purpose – expanding the available land for beekeepers, previously constrained, and defining clear park boundaries. This not only fosters beekeeping activities but also contributes to the overall protection of the park.
Excitement Among Farmers and Environmental Impact Farmers in Kayonza express enthusiasm about the expansion, highlighting its role in safeguarding bees from pesticides originating in nearby agricultural fields. Josephine Bagiraneza, Chairperson of COPROMI, notes the positive impact and initiates discussions with farmers to optimize pesticide applications for bee safety.
Transition to Modern Beekeeping for Enhanced Yields Anticipated as a game-changer, the transition from traditional to modern beekeeping practices is expected to significantly boost honey yields in Kayonza. January Rukwatage, associated with FIOM, underscores the untapped potential in the Eastern Province's beekeeping sector, identifying a need for training and skills development.
Protecting Kayonza's Unique Honey Variety Experts emphasize the distinctive honey produced in Kayonza's natural forests, urging protection and investment in beekeeping. Establishing buffer zones between agriculture and beekeeping areas is seen as a critical step to minimize negative impacts on bees and honey production.
Challenges and Call for Modernization Local beekeeper Emmanuel Shumbusho highlights challenges like insufficient training, limited beekeeping sites, and outdated equipment affecting honey production. He advocates for a greater focus on modern beekeeping techniques to overcome these obstacles.
District Initiatives and Future Plans Kayonza District Mayor, John Bosco Nyemazi, sees the buffer zone as an opportunity for beekeepers to modernize. He encourages the shift from traditional to modern techniques, hinting at ongoing discussions about implementing bee-friendly pesticides. The District plans to establish a honey collection center to streamline the honey trade and meet the growing demand, with established cooperatives like COPROMI reporting a significant harvest of 24 tons of honey in 2022.
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