Agro-forestry and in particular with acacias are extremely suitable for generous honey production. They allow two harvests per year: one around February, the “little honeydew” and the other around July / August, the “big honeydew”. The various fruit trees that have been planted among the acacias in recent years ensure that the bees can find food throughout the year, which has a positive impact on the honey production.
The hives are installed in the shades of the trees which has a positive effect on agro-forestry, as it obliges beekeepers to respect the techniques learned, resulting in improved maintenance of the newly planted forests.
The new beekeepers are assisted by 2 full-time experts that Gi Agro has been able to employ thanks to two programs sponsored by the ULB-Coopération. They are also responsible for organizing training courses aimed at the welfare of bees and thus optimal honey production.
The beekeepers have organized themselves in different cooperatives, which in turn are integrated in a platform. In exchange for a contribution from the harvest, they can use the transformation room and the services of the 2 experts. This allows everyone, beekeepers large or small, to benefit from support and training to increase their income through the sale of their honey.
The apiculture program was started in 2013 by GI-Agro with the financial support of the Friends of Ibi (AIV), which since then regularly supports smaller initiatives (purchase of beehives, installation of the transformation room). You can support this project financially by clicking the button below.