Thursday 9 December 2010

Case study: Bee farming, Green Care Association, Cameroon.


Communities in the North West region of Cameroon have limited employment opportunities, the main means of survival being subsistence maize farming, increasingly impacted by growing climactic instability. There is little diversification within agriculture and few alternative income generating activities

To address this, Green Care Association promotes bee farming for individuals and communities in these disadvantaged areas. The organisation operates a demonstration bee farm and offers training through formal workshops and on-going support to individuals and groups. Training covers issues such as site selection; hive management and maintenance; habitat management and the value of ‘bee friendly’ trees; hygienic honey harvesting; and provides information on equipment suppliers.

Existing bee farmers have been able to increase the quality of their product, and new farmers have been recruited. Honey production volume has increased and farmers have developed new markets selling honey to shops, local institutions and directly to the public. Bee-friendly habitat has been improved through new tree planting and a greater awareness of the need for conservation of existing habitat.

Theme Linkages
Climate Change Adaptation
Increased diversity of farming practices reduces vulnerability to climactic extremes such as prolonged drought.

Improved Health and Wellbeing
Household basic needs better met through increased household income from honey sales.

Sustainable Land Use
Promotes conservation and restoration of natural resources through bee-friendly habitat management.

Contribution to Millennium Development Goals

Target 7b: Reduce biodiversity loss, achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction in the rate of loss

Contact Green Care Association for more information

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