Beekeeping remains unfamiliar to many residents of Western Kenya, where most people traditionally engage in maize, sugarcane and other crop farming. In the past limited knowledge made farming activities difficult, but advanced technology has simplified agricultural practices and made them more accessible.
Mark Burudi, a resident of the Malava Msalaba area, has chosen a different path that has attracted admiration from the community. He ventured in beekeeping, a form of farming that was previously uncommon in the area. Since introducing beekeeping to the community, many residents have shown interest and now visit him in large numbers to learn how to rear bees.
“When I was introduced to beekeeping through my workmate, I was embraced with the idea and challenged myself to try it, At first many people in the village were afraid of the bees and were worried being stung.”
Burudi started with only two beehives and has since expanded to 9. He is optimistic about harvesting a good yield. What initially seemed like a joke to some has now become a successful venture that continues to impress many.
Despite the growing population in the region, beekeeping does not require large tracts of land to be successful, unlike maize, sugarcane and other traditional crops.
Burudi has appealed to well-wishers and the government to support beekeeping initiatives by providing training, modern equipment, and financial assistance. He noted that such support would enable him and other farmers to expand their projects, create employment, and promote the production of honey for both nutritional and medicinal purposes within the community.