Women are now taking lead in projects that have been seen to create a buzz and believed to be associated only with men.
In fact, in some cultures, certain work has been seen as male preserve. But, this is slowly changing as more women venture into the uncharted waters.
One such sector is apiculture or commonly known as bee-keeping.
Agrippina Khakabo from Kakamega County, is among the few women who have embarked on apiculture.
She is currently the farmer’s representative for Sericulture (production of silk) and Apiculture in Kakamega Forest Honey and Silk Market place.
This project was begun in Kakamega Forest by agricultural researchers from the International Centre of Insects and Ecology (ICIPE).
ICIPE identified and trained interested farmers in bee keeping and silk rearing.
Agrippina was among those trained, she now reveals that it only took three years for sericulture before it collapsed.
Since then, Kakamega forest farmers only practice bee keeping and honey harvesting.
Currently, 300 bee farmers are registered under the Kakamega Forest Honey and Silk project.
“Kakamega Forest has a diverse species of flowers, which are best known for their high herbal medicinal value,” he says.
Agrippina also revealed that bees reared in Kakamega Forest produce exceptionally sweet and highly medicinal honey as a result of feeding on Kakamega forest flowers.
Farmers under this project keep both stingless bees and honey bees rearing.
However, Agrippina’s interest majorly lies in the stingless bees rearing.
“Honey produced by stingless bees has a high medicinal value as compared to that produced by ordinary honey bees” she says.
There are three major groups that are currently practicing stingless bee rearing in Kakamega forest, with one group keeping up to 100 beehives.
Individual farmers have however shown interest in joining the venture.
“Stingless bee honey is highly medicinal as it can heal various diseases like wounds, ulcers, diabetes, high blood pressure, congested chests, gum swellings, throat sores among many other diseases,” Agrippina told Kenya News Agency (KNA).
The Kakamega stingless bee farmers package their honey in 500 milliliter bottles whose retail price is Shs.500.
However, she brings to our attention that bee rearing is not all rosy. It comes with its challenges, some of which are long-term.
One of the challenges faced is that the recommended bee hives are way too unaffordable by farmers.
“Longs troth beehives are the best. They are designed in a manner that allows beekeepers to easily inspect and manage their hives without disturbing the bees too much,” reveals Agrippina,
“However, one longs troth bee hive can cost as much as Shs.5000, which is quite expensive for our local farmers, “he added.
Rains that are as a result of the proximity of Kakamega Forest is also one of the prevailing challenges for bee farmers in Kakamega.
Too much rain lowers honey production as the bees are forced to stay indoors instead of going out to feed.
Agrippina has urged well-wishers and potential sponsors to come forward and provide support to the farmers so as to enhance production.
Currently, the honey reared is marketed locally due to the low production rate, which can barely sustain an international market.
She also advices interested individuals to plant flowers and have water sources nearby to prevent bees from travelling long distances in search of food and water.
She advises farmers to be opening their hives frequently as it creates a friendly environment for the bees and their surroundings, preventing them from becoming aggressive and wild.
Beside training and awareness, the government and partners have also provided linkages to encourage more farmers to rear stingless bees and boost rural incomes and forests’ conservation.
“Bee keeping is a sustainable and profitable enterprise that offers a myriad benefit to both the bee keeper and the community,” she said as she urged more individuals to practice apiculture.
Bee keeping is not just a hobby for Agrippina, but a crucial practice that contributes to the wellbeing of the community.
Bee keepers play a significant role in pollinating crops and plants, thereby ensuring food security for humans and maintain a healthy ecosystem for all living beings.
By Jacinta Okola
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