Buzzing Back to Life: RAB's Call for Bee-Friendly Farming
In the midst of Rwanda's picturesque landscapes, a vital aspect of nature is facing a decline – the sweet symphony of buzzing bees. 🐝 The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) is on a mission, calling for a transformation towards bee-friendly farming practices to combat the alarming 10% honey production rate.
Unveiling the Buzzkill: 🍯🚨 The tranquil regions of Rutsiro and Rubavu in Western Province are witnessing a buzz downturn, attributed to the unwavering force of climate change. The heavy rainfall, once a lifeline, is now a challenge affecting bee farming. Marie Chantal Nyirakamineza, Director of Rutsiro Honey Ltd, reveals that their agro-processing factory is running at a mere fraction of its capacity since 2017, producing only 35-40 tonnes annually out of a potential 180 tonnes.
Climate Change: A Bee's Nemesis: 🌧️🐝 The queen bee of challenges? Climate change. Beekeepers like Emilienne Mukasine and Nyirakamineza point fingers at erratic weather patterns, inappropriate bee feeding during the rainy season, and the menacing use of pesticides as the culprits behind the decline. The bees, our pollinator pals, are facing starvation and pesticide threats.
The RAB Buzzolution: 🌍🤝 Willy Mwiza, Senior Research Coordinator at RAB, assures that hope is on the horizon. Collaborative efforts for bee-friendly farming are the buzzword, advocating the exchange of information between beekeepers and farmers. Mwiza suggests practical measures, including using organic pesticides, timely applications, and relocating hives to natural havens, far from crop production.
Wings of Opportunity: 🌳🍯 Amid the challenges, hope sprouts in Rutsiro and Ngororero districts. Cooperatives, comprised of 200-300 members, are eyeing the outskirts of Gishwati-Mukura Biosphere Reserve. By relocating hives to these natural sanctuaries, they anticipate a revival of honey production.
The Buzz Stats: 📊🐝 Official figures from RAB underline the urgency – the current national honey production is a mere 6,000 metric tonnes, while the demand echoes at 17,000 MT. With approximately 120,000 beekeepers across the country, the call for bee-friendly farming is not just a plea; it's a necessity.
Let's harmonize with nature, let the bees thrive, and sweeten the symphony of life! 🌼🍯🎶
FAQ Addition:
Q: Why is there a decline in honey production in Rwanda?
A: Climate change, heavy rainfall, inappropriate bee feeding during the rainy season, pesticide use, and tree-cutting before flowering are some of the factors affecting honey production.
#BeeFriendlyFarming, #SaveTheBees, #ClimateAction, #HoneyHarmony, #RwandaRAB
