By Moh Bello Habib
Zaria
In its efforts to develop beekeeping industry in Kaduna state, the Australian government, through its High Commission in Nigeria, has approved the sum of N7.8 million to Beekeeping Extension Society (BES), Zaria.
This was contained in a letter signed by The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Lehmann, in Zaria, on Tuesday.
Blueprint reports that the Beekeeping Extension Society is the only indigenous beekeeping development NGO with international recognition.
The Society is headed by Alhaji Idris Mohammed Barau Zaria, who is the only beekeeper proficient in African Beekeeping and certified by British Beekeepers Association.
He also certified as advance beekeeping trainer by Bees Abroad a United Kingdom charity organisation has been into Beekeeping development in Kaduna state and was coordinating West African Beekeepers network.
He is also serving as first vice-president of Federation of Beekeepers Association of Nigeria.
The project is aimed at integration of rural women into production of Shea Butter and Honey under the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid programme (DAP).
The Project is targeted at training and equipment supply for 500 rural women in three local government areas of the state.
The beneficiaries would be developed into serving as community extension volunteer groups and also their task would involve training of trainers in their respective communities.
The beneficiaries will form beekeeping cooperatives that would be involved in honey and Shea Butter production and marketing.
The ultimate aim of the project is to provide employment opportunity to participating rural youths through developing their skills.