Milawi:


MAP courtesy Zomba Action Project


Last season  the Association raised funds to support beekeeping in remote rural Milawi as part of the Zomba Action Project.
Z.A.P is a charity established in 2003 initiated by Coleraine Borough Council. It raises and manages funds for approved projects to help disadvantaged people in Zomba, Malawi.

The Zomba Action Project website is at www.colerainebc.gov.uk/zomba  and contains further details of the range of projects underway and completed. (click on the link  to go there)

Amongst the projects suported by ZAP is the development of beekeeping skills in remote rural communities. In August 2007 Rev Miller outlined to members that an entire village's beekeeping venture could be sustained at the modest cost of around £400, the setup cost of providing 10 beehives and some basic beekeeping equipment. African bees migrate following monsoons so that they can benefit from the abundance of growth that follows. They will inhabit a beehive, deposit honey there and depart as seasons change. The beekeeper need only provide lodgings for the swarm, and in due course harvest the crop. Honey is valuable as a dietary supplement or as a cash crop, and only rudimentary equipment and some basic beekeeping skills are necessary. This ethos of supporting local development with enabling projects is central to the Zomba project.

RVBKA members agreed that supporting a village in this way would be an ideal way for our beekeeping club  to demonstrate unity with this concept. In the remainder of the year we secured donations of £450 from, club members and presented this to ZAP in November. RVBKA intends to maintain this important link.

If you would like further information use the Zomba link or contact Rev Sam Miller via RVBKA,