Where we work
Thanks to the generosity of the States of Guernsey, Spring 2009 saw the launch of the second phase of our Ugandan project. 180 villagers have signed up, and 2 tonnes of honey has been produced.
Dan Ngirabakunzi has started a producer group of beekeepers. His plan was to purchase honey at fair trade prices, process it and market it in Uganda. The money made would be used to educate and train beekeepers' teenage sons and daughters in vocational skills, thus giving them a skill to earn a living.
Prompted by concern about local poverty and inspired by the success of the Bees Abroad Kom Project in the North West of Cameroon, the Tombel-Bangem Beefarmers have started a Common Initiative Programme to raise local awareness of agricultural and environmental issues.
We have been fortunate in gaining the assistance of an experienced Kenyan beekeeping trainer, David Njunga, who has raised the profile of beekeeping and has run group training, including two workshops specifically for the women. There are now 70 families involved with beekeeping, and plans are being made to group market hive products under the Nessuit label.
Funding from Exotix has enabled us to train beekeepers in the Mamfe region of Cameroon. We found time to video some of our activities. Don't miss the bee-song!
