Capacity building on beekeeping for over 2,000 Taraba, Adamawa women

No fewer than 2,000 women spread across the two sectors of the Gashaka Gumti National Park, Adamawa and Taraba states, have benefited from the beekeeping initiative, recently introduced by the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation.

The Community Liaison Manager of the Foundation, David Peter, in a statement in Jalingo, said the initiative, introduced in communities surrounding the Gashaka Gumti National Park, spanning Taraba and Adamawa states, is already proving to be a game-changer for local farmers and the environment.

He said the foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), has been actively working to develop and protect the park through security improvements, infrastructure development, and community-based projects.

Peter said the beekeeping scheme, which is geared towards providing sustainable livelihoods while also discouraging deforestation started with five communities in the Gashaka sector, before expanding to five more in the Gumti sector.

“Currently, we have 50 beneficiaries evenly split between the two sectors, with 25 in each. We have provided them with training, necessary materials, and protective gear for hive inspections,” he stated.

Announcing that the initiative strategically allocates five hives per community, resulting in a total of 250 production hives across both sectors of the park, Peter emphasised the dual purpose of the programme, explaining that in addition to providing economic benefits, it significantly reduces deforestation.

“Before this programme, people would cut down entire trees just to harvest honey from wild hives, that’s extremely wasteful. With this initiative, we are preventing the unnecessary felling of trees and promoting sustainable honey production.”

While arguing that beekeeping plays a crucial role in environmental conservation by fostering the growth of flowering plants, which are essential for bee survival, he said those involved in beekeeping now see the value of keeping trees intact and have become advocates against illegal logging.

“ANI Foundation is not only enhancing economic opportunities but also fostering environmental awareness and action among local communities. As the initiative gains traction, it is hoped that more rural communities will embrace sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of Gashaka Gumti National Park for future generations.” Peter stated.