On May 20, the world celebrated International Beekeeping Day as a reminder of its importance in human life.

In Rwanda, bees are known for their quality honey-making that is competitive at the global market.

The Head of Beekeeping Program at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Mwiza Kazimbaya Willy, told IGIHE that beekeeping is still progressing but efforts are needed to take care of bees to produce enough honey.

Beekeepers have repeatedly pointed out that one of the reasons for their low productivity are the pesticides used in different farming practices. A professional beekeeper, Karangwa Sewase, told IGIHE that it is worth studying how farming can be done without using pesticides that kill bees.

Mwiza acknowledges that there are pesticides used in agriculture that kill bees, but says there is also a lack of adequate knowledge on beekeeping. While research is underway to find pesticides that are effective but not harmful to bees, Mwiza has advised beekeepers to look for bee-friendly food to help them increase productivity.

In Rwanda, bees are known for their quality honey-making that is competitive at the global market.

Rwanda needs about 17,000 tons of honey annually to meet its domestic needs, a buffer needed from the current 5600 tons harvested.

Beekeepers have repeatedly pointed out that one of the reasons for their low productivity are the pesticides used in different farming practices.