Nairobi: Amagoro Integrated Development (AMID) Community-Based Organisation has recruited over 60 farmers to venture into modern beekeeping and sunflower growing in the Teso region, with funding from Farnbid Africa.
According to Kenya News Agency, AMID Organizing Secretary Robert Murega announced that Farnbid Africa will donate fodder and forage for bees and apiculture exclusively to registered members. He urged interested parties to seize the opportunity by registering for a fee of Sh1000.
Murega outlined a projected profit of Sh100,000 from Langstroth Hives, detailing that 1kg of honey sells for Sh1,000 while 500g goes for Sh500. The CBO was founded by four members, including Katakwa Diocese Bishop Emeritus Dr. Zakayos Epus, who is the current patron, Murega himself, Samson Enarach, and Ambrose Ong'ura.
In attendance at the meeting were cluster chairmen Fobian Isogol from the Kamolo area, Charles Obali from Chakol B, and Lawrence Omanyala from Amagoro A, alongside other representatives. Murega emphasized AMID's growing significance, highlighted by the appointment of Eng. Christopher Okwii and the First Deputy Prime Minister of Emormor Kingdom.
Farmers in the Amagoro area will undergo capacity building by Farm Bees Africa to learn how to use Langstroth beehives for honey extraction and to advance the honey and sunflower value chain. Amagoro Integrated CBO field officer Daniel Okapesi explained at a sensitization meeting that the primary aim of upcoming training sessions is to educate members on value addition.
AMID chairman Samuel Etyang expressed a goal of reaching 500 members, highlighting beekeeping as a crucial and cost-effective venture with potential for four harvests annually, each yielding a profit of approximately Sh100,000. Etyang noted the CBO's growth from its original four members to 60, emphasizing the benefits of further expansion.
After the meeting, Daniel Okapesi guided a visiting team to inspect Langstroth beehives at Kong'or village, home to AMID CBO patron and former Anglican Church of Kenya Katakwa Diocese Bishop Rev. Dr. Zakayos Epuus. Reverend Epuus mentioned that he began with three beehives, which have expanded to 33, and plans to increase this number to at least 100.
Bishop Epuus acknowledged the profitability of beekeeping, sharing his experience of harvesting 50 kilograms and 20 grams of honey, priced at Sh1000 and Sh500 respectively. The event was attended by notable figures such as retired Justice Mathews Emukule, former Councilor Fobian Isogol, and retired Chief Pasiliano Ikoito.