Community Calls for Support from Authorities to Sustain Beekeeping Efforts
By Lionel Taorao, Stringer/Reporter, Ulawa
Many newcomers to beekeeping on Ulawa Island are facing significant challenges as they struggle to obtain the necessary equipment for their growing bee farms. In recent months, an increasing number of families have ventured into bee farming attracted by the promise of financial rewards from honey production. However, the absence of essential tools and training is hindering their progress and threatening the sustainability of this emerging industry.
Graham Ngara, a new bee farmer from Haraina village, attests to the difficulties faced without adequate training and equipment. “It is very challenging for me going into beekeeping as a new farmer, because I don’t attend any bee keeping training, plus having no proper equipment to work with my hives”, Graham expresses. “One other difficulty we encounter too is the availability of bee foundation wax where we have to buy from Honiara since we don’t have any stores or individuals selling it here on Ulawa,” he adds.
Benjamin Ma’e Haora, a longstanding Community Resource Person on Ulawa Island, who gained his beekeeping qualifications from Telford Rural Polytechnic Institute in New Zealand, acknowledges the hardships faced by both new and experienced farmers. “Many farmers needs training to help them in managing their hives and to increase their hives. Lack of bee keeping equipment such as foundation wax and other materials needed for beekeeping is also one of the main hindrances for both new and existing farmers”, he says.
He adds that farmers only receive assistance through partnership programs with organizations like SISBEC in the past years and admits that not much has been contributed to this sector so far as expected from their leaders which he says they can be of assistance to help assist struggling bee keepers in the future.
Despite the challenges, Ma’e Haora emphasizes the importance of perseverance, urging farmers not to give up but to continue expanding their hives.
With nearly a hundred new farmers joining the beekeeping industry on Ulawa Island, Ma’e Haora predicts a continued increase in interest.
He calls upon relevant ministries and leaders to provide support to struggling farmers, emphasizing the need for assistance in acquiring equipment and training to ensure the industry’s sustainable growth.
