Beekeepers request for assistance in modernizing their beekeeping practices to align with current trends

Beekeepers say that the continued use of traditional tools and methods is one of the reasons why the development of beekeeping and the production are still low, and not sufficient for the market.

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Nsabimana Abdoulkarim and Mushimimana Ephrem, the beekeepers for over three years at t Mount Rebero in Bwerankori village, Kigarama sector, Kicukiro district in Kigali city, highlight that their beekeeping practices are still facing challenges, particularly due to the use of traditional tools and methods. This has resulted in slow progress and low production, which is insufficient for the market.

Nsabimana Abdoulkarim says, "We use regular clothes, which causes me to get stung when I harvest the honey. There are protective clothes and European beekeeping equipment that we don't have access to."

Mushimimana Ephrem adds, "Since we use traditional hives with limited resources, we need modern boxes to expand our beekeeping business and move away from the traditional methods."

They call upon the relevant authorities to help them and other beekeepers by addressing the obstacles hindering the development of beekeeping, with the aim of increasing honey production.

Beekeepers are encouraged to unite and form cooperatives, as well as to seek support from the services provided by designated veterinary offices, in order to access the resources they need more easily. This advice comes from Dr. Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), which is responsible for promoting livestock farming.

She said, "Its about raising awareness so that beekeepers stop working individually. The government cannot train each person individually, but when they work together, it becomes easier to help them acquire equipment and also easier to assist them in finding markets."

Beekeepers point out that a traditional hive can produce between five to six kilograms of honey per season, while a modern hive can yield up to 40 kilograms. This is why beekeepers are urged to focus on modern beekeeping techniques to bridge the gap created by low honey production and challenges related to quality.

Data from 2023 showed that there were 120,182 beekeepers in Rwanda, who were able to produce 5,800 tons of honey, whereas the desired honey production or the required amount was 17,406 tons.

Writer: Gisubizo Philemon, Author: BERWA GAKUBA Prudence/translated by GAKUBA FELIX Abduljabar

Beekeepers request for assistance in modernizing their beekeeping practices to align with current trends

Uwajeneza Donatha Feb 25, 2025 - 10:26

Beekeepers say that the continued use of traditional tools and methods is one of the reasons why the development of beekeeping and the production are still low, and not sufficient for the market.

kwamamaza

Mushimimana Ephrem adds, "Since we use traditional hives with limited resources, we need modern boxes to expand our beekeeping business and move away from the traditional methods."

They call upon the relevant authorities to help them and other beekeepers by addressing the obstacles hindering the development of beekeeping, with the aim of increasing honey production.

Data from 2023 showed that there were 120,182 beekeepers in Rwanda, who were able to produce 5,800 tons of honey, whereas the desired honey production or the required amount was 17,406 tons.

Writer: Gisubizo Philemon, Author: BERWA GAKUBA Prudence/translated by GAKUBA FELIX Abduljabar

Beekeepers request for assistance in modernizing their beekeeping practices to align with current trends

Beekeepers say that the continued use of traditional tools and methods is one of the reasons why the development of beekeeping and the production are still low, and not sufficient for the market.

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Beekeepers request for assistance in modernizing their beekeeping practices to align with current trends

Beekeepers say that the continued use of traditional tools and methods is one of the reasons why the development of beekeeping and the production are still low, and not sufficient for the market.