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“I started this project in 2019. I started it on my own. But later I heard about Honey Pride providing market and other support. So, that motivated me to start thinking about scaling up the project. That is how I went for the equipment loan.”
The Life as Beekeeper
Who belongs to your family / who is living with you?
My name is Onzima Alex. This place is in Kwili Parish. I am married and I have about 8 people in my family, including the children.
How has beekeeping changed your life?
Bee keeping has benefited me a lot, especially before the floods. But after the floods, there was disruption. We are now trying to reorganize. That that is why I had to swift to this place.
How do you provide a good environment for your bees?
I always ensure that I site my apiary where I can have easy access.
That is to make sure I address problems affecting the bees quickly – including disturbance from thieves, bush fire etc.
What do trees mean to you and how can they be protected?
To me trees in the first place provide good shade.
Secondly they provide fresh air. Thirdly, they are good for my project, especially this bee keeping. Even if I don’t provide them with food, they will sort themselves out from the trees. That is the reason I treasure having trees around.
We try to protect in many ways…In fact, our local government supports those initiatives. If someone wants to clear forest land here, the local government has to be involved. You can only clear farm land, but not to cut trees indiscriminately.
What is the most important thing in your life?
Hard work. You have to work hard to improve your livelihood because no one will do that for you..
What are your biggest challenges and how do you plan to overcome them?
My biggest challenge in the bee keeping project is the challenge of theft. When you are away, some people harvest your hives, which is not good. The other challenge is lack of water during dry season. During the dry season, this place becomes dry and when you are not there, workers can’t help the way you would, because they don’t the importance of tis project.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Yes, I get some free time. So, during my free time, I spend time with friends, sometimes advising each other on various issues of improving our livelihoods etc.
Which place would you like to see once?
One place I would wish to go is one where I would get all skills needed for bee keeping. I don’t know where that could be, but that is the place I would want to see so that I come and improve my project.
