Over 25 Makele Farmers Cooperative Members Trained on Modern Beekeeping and Value Addition
More than 25 members of Makele Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd on Wednesday received training on modern beekeeping, honey value addition, and opportunities for accessing government grants in a move aimed at strengthening apiculture and improving livelihoods in the area.
The training held, at Makele in Ikanga/Kyatune ward and was facilitated by Rafael Muthui, Mutomo Sub-county Cooperative Officer from the Kitui County Government under the Department of Trade, Industry, MSMEs, and Cooperatives.
The session focused on modern beekeeping practices, honey value addition, cooperative management, and available government support programs that members can leverage to expand their enterprises and increase profitability.
Makele Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd currently has 72 registered members. The cooperative is patronized by Dr. Isaac Malonza, with Mr. Samuel Kituta serving as the Chairperson and Mr. Paul Muluyu, the Makele Sub-Chief, serving as the Trustee.
Speaking exclusively to Ukambani News Hub, Dr. Isaac Malonza said the training was organized to equip members with practical knowledge and skills that will enable them to maximize the economic potential of beekeeping through improved honey production, embrace value addition and increase returns from beekeeping.
He noted that empowering farmers with the right knowledge is key to transforming beekeeping from a traditional activity into a profitable commercial enterprise capable of creating employment and improving livelihoods. “We want our farmers to move beyond traditional beekeeping and embrace value addition so that they can earn more from their products. Through cooperative efforts and government support, beekeeping has the potential to significantly improve household incomes in this area,” he said.
Dr. Malonza further revealed that a recent census conducted among members of the cooperative established that there are 862 beehives within the Makele area, highlighting the enormous potential for honey production and related value-added products.
He said the large number of beehives demonstrates that Makele has the capacity to become one of Kitui County’s leading honey-producing areas if farmers embrace modern production techniques, quality standards, and effective marketing strategies.
The cooperative patron expressed optimism that Makele Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd will continue to grow and become one of the largest and most successful cooperative societies in the county. He encouraged more residents to join the cooperative and take advantage of training opportunities, government grants, and collective marketing initiatives.
Members who attended the training welcomed the initiative, saying it had provided them with valuable knowledge that will help improve honey quality, increase production, and open up new market opportunities for their products.
The training forms part of ongoing efforts by the Kitui County Government to strengthen cooperatives, promote agribusiness, and empower rural communities through sustainable income-generating activities.
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