Safeguard Bees and Beekeepers in Madagascar

It’s October, which means it will soon be honey-harvesting time in Anosy. Our two local beekeeping technicians, Pierros and Fidson, have been supporting 31 beekeepers across 6 communities - Tsagnoriha, Vatambe, Manarall, Beandry, Mahialambo, and Sainte Luce - through monthly monitoring visits ensuring the hives are clean, populated, and healthy. Pierros and Fidson are beekeepers who were involved in the previous phase of Project Renitantely selected as technicians due to their high levels of skill and experience. Pierros and Fidson support their fellow beekeepers with hive maintenance and repairs, populating the hives to expand the apiaries, pest management, and overall training for the beekeepers. For instance, June beekeepers were taught how to test the water content in the honey and how to make sugar water to feed the bees.

Each month the hives are cleared of any pests or insects (such as the varroa mites) that might damage the bees’ hard work, in order to keep the hives healthy. If you look closely at the photo, you might be able to spot a butterfly that invaded the hive! The team makes sure to remove the pests and works to prevent any other intruders from entering the hives. This allows Project Renitantely to be ready for the harvesting season and I look forward to updating you on the outcome.