Bee Keeping has become a much talked about solution for the defence against Elephant who become used to breaking into Maize fields in rural Africa. The system works like a fence (A Bee Fence if you Like) – the Bee Hives hang on ropes and suspend approximately one meter above the ground. If an elephant knocks the hive the bees come boiling out in a fit of rage and the combination of buzzing angry bees and a few stings inside the trunk cause the elephant some concern. The memory ultimately creates a great deterrent to the elephant.
The system has not worked in all applications and we believe that this may be for a number of reasons. These could include – inability to keep the bees resident in the hive due to heat (shade is a must in hot climates) – access to bee preferred foraging nearby, the bees like to be not to far from food – the right Hive design and upkeep – plus more reasons no doubt that we may not have thought of and would welcome input on.
The following is an excerpt from a report made by the Bee Fence Keeping team at Nsefu in the Luangwa area of Zambia. It seems their project has taken off and they are beginning to reap the added benefit of delicious honey. We love the passion and interest in the project that is relayed in this report and suggest you take time to read it through.
PROGRESS MADE ON ERECTION OF BEEHIVES.
The project since it’s inception to date,have managed to erect 40 beehives of which 20 have been occupied and expect the remaining ones to attract bees in the few coming months.
HONEY HARVESTING.
About 80 plus by 500g of jars have so far been harvested and we have taken or given about 20 to Senior Chief Nsefu just to have him appreciate our project and more importantly for allowing and giving us land for this project.
The remaining jars have been put on the market though now still struggling to establish a notable permanent market.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.
The community participation is good and encouraging which now stands at 75% and this is so because the Chief himself has blessed this project and received it with both hands.He has also taken the leading role in ensuring that everyone emulates what nsefu is doing.The project has full support from village headmen.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES.
The project also does sensitization programs on the importance of bee farming.
Educating villge headmen on the need for community members to venture into bee farming which would eventually uplift their living standards.
The need to have fire break and to discourage fire burning.
Sensitization in schools on the importance of bee farming.
CHALLENGES.
There are few challenges the projecg is facing now such as:
1..Funding,the project appreciates immensely the funding being rendered to it’s programs but because of this covid,makes it so difficult to even increase the manpower so that the project can also increase on it’s production and erecting of more beehives.
The covid has put our funders in a very difficult situation interms of fundraising which has affected growth of the project.
2..Bush fire is also a challenge because bees like any other creature are enemies of fire,which end up burning the beehives making the project incure extra costs to replace.
3..No processing machine to make the project be a stand alone and be able to compete with others interms of market.
4..Permanent stores for production,storage and selling.
BEE KEEPING PLANS.
The project is gradually growing big and big and it’s imperative to plan good for it’s sustainability.
The following is what ought to be done:
1..Erecting more than 100 beehives by end of this year and if you look at what we have now,we only need about 60 to meet our target which is still attainable.
2..Be able to put up our own market store and get ourselves a processing machine which would enable us produce more for our esteemed customers.
3..To have it grow and reach a level which will enable it pay it’s workers instead of being just a drain on the main account.
4..Incorporate village headmen to take a leading role by making sure most fields are fenced with beehives which will reduce human/animal conflicts.
SUMMARY.
This is a very good project which can surely put the foundation on the map if allowed to grow beyond this level.
It has support from community because it has demonstrated what it can do and bring to the community.
It’s medicinal importance makes draw alot of support from government and other stakeholders.
Many thanks to our funders for your generous support and passion for the project.
You have done us best and very proud of you.
Stay safe.
For more information on the Nsefu Wildlife Conservation Foundation please visit Nsefu
