Kutsungirira Beekeeping Society

KUTSUNGIRIRA BEEKEEPING SOCIETY (KBS)
KBS was founded in 1997 by Michael Hlungwani and his wife Miriro, who were hobby beekeepers, together with 8 neighbours, eager to learn beekeeping.
Through beekeeping these small hold farmers have additional food and income. Mwenezi District is hot and dry, agricultural harvests often fail. Luckily, there are many wild trees and bushes that flower and attract bees which populate the beekeepers’ hives.
Training and marketing of honey and other bee products are the main activities of KBS: By now, 300 men, women and school-children received training. More than 300 are waiting. Through observation, video-tapes and practical exercises the participants learn how to handle bees and to harvest and process honey and beeswax. They all receive protective clothing and a smoker and make their own bee hive.
Because there is so much interest, the Kutsungirira Beekeeping Club has built a BEEKEEPING TRAINING CENTRE:
In 2004 KBS built its own shop, easily accessible along the road between South Africa and Masvingo Town. Tourists and lorry drivers stop here and get curious about the origin of the honey and candles they can buy. KBC also has a tree nursery, an orchard and a Eucalyptus-plantation and vegetable gardens with a rainwater reservoir.
Since 2006 KBS the classroom block with kitchen, the beekeeping museum and the hostel were completed. Piped water was connected from a nearby dam.
Most funds for KBS were raised by BeeSupport Foundation together with the Dutch public and organisations.
KBS now employs a working staff of 10. The salaries and other costs will in the future all be paid income generated by sales of bee products, fruits, vegetables, timber and beekeeping equipment, and by guided tours, honey shows and video shows about beekeeping and other income generating activities.

Plans for 2010
Furniture for 10 double bedrooms
Training for 120 adults and school children (AIDS orphans) Read more