As busy as a bee! A figure of speech that fits aptly for the tiny pollinators who play a vital role in our ecosystem. From determining the quality of food we eat, to sustaining households engaged in bee farming, the bee’s day is quite full.
And as the world gears to celebrate the bee Monday 2oth May, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation FAO is leading a campaign to protect honey bees.
In Kenya, bee farmers and bee lovers began to gather Saturday 18th in Kajiado in appreciation of the bee. They engaged in activities that ranged from excursions, symposiums, exhibitions, cultural dances and fun for children and the youth.
The chairperson of the apiculture platform of Kenya Robin Mbai says the weekend festivities will culminate in a grand opening ceremony Monday 20th May.
We are expecting close to 40 exhibitors with different technologies on bee keeping. Come see, learn, ask questions, so as you go to practice beekeeping you have full knowledge.
Robin Mbai-Chaiperson Apiculture
The day to honour honey bees came from a resolution of the UN General Assembly in Dec 2017. The day seeks to create awareness on the importance of preserving honey bees.
According to FAO, the bee pollinates about 7,000 flowers a day, contributing to food and nutrition security. The report shows that 80pc of the food we eat is pollinated by bees which translates to both quality and quantity of food harvests.
Beekeeping is a major foreign exchange earner with an estimated contribution of US $120 to the gross domestic product GDP annually.
At the household level beekeeping sustains livelihoods with 20 beehives able to generate a gross income of Ksh 150,000 per household, per year.
Beekeeping industry supports around 90,340 farmers. This is contained in the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis KIPPRA policy brief no.9 of 2023-2024 which also shows that about 900 people are formally employed in the sector in equipment manufacturing units.
The industry faces challenges such as poor marketing systems compounded by unstructured markets, environmental changes and limited access to modern beekeeping technologies which hinder its growth and export potential, notes the brief by KIPPRA.
It is the mainstay of about 83 pc of those in Arid and Semi arid areas ASAL of Kenya as it is cost effective. Kajiado county where this years event will be observed is one of the ASAL areas. The event is being held at the IIdamat stadium in Kajiado town.
FAO says honey bees are key levers for conserving biodiversity, and their survival must be protected.
