Improving beekeeping techniques in Burkina Faso

PUM expert Jan Koeman recently finished a beekeeping training of six days in Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. He gave this course to 27 members, selected from the 60 members of the BENKADI Cooperative.

Last year, this cooperative produced 17 tonnes of honey. The honey is of high quality; it is locally sold for a good price and also finds its way to the surrounding countries Mali, Ivory Coast, Niger and the Arab Emirates. The aim of the training was to improve the basic techniques of beekeeping, the use of modern stackable hives and the knowledge of how to deal with diseases and pests in the bee population. After the training, the participants received a PUM certificate and expressed their gratitude, they were very satisfied with what they learned from the PUM expert.

Because of the security situation in Burkina Faso, it was only possible to give practical lessons in beekeeping at two locations on the outskirts of the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. The other training days took place in a safe environment in the processing centre of the cooperative.