Malawi MP, Research Foundation support bee keepers

Member for Parliament for Mulanje South East Naomi Kilekwa and Tea Research Foundation (TRF) have teamed up to support bee keeping to conserve trees in Mulanje.

Principal Plant Breeder for Tea Research Foundation (TRF) in Mulanje Nicholas Mphangwe says his organization only allows communities that have the passion to conserve the organization’s forests to use them for bee keeping activities.

He made the remarks on Saturday when Member of Parliament for Mulanje South East, Naomi Kilekwa handed over 71 bee hives to Mbozi Bee keeping Association for seven bee keeping clubs in the area.

Mphangwe said TRF is proud to be associated with community clubs that have an interest in ensuring the protection of 80 hectares of trees the organization had strived to protect.

“We believe that ‘no conservation of trees, no bee keeping’. As such we shall not allow any cutting down of our trees in our forests as you know we are a research oriented organization,” explained Mphangwe.

The MP said she used her initiative to donate K556, 000 for bee hives to assist the communities under Mbozi Association who had approached her for support.

Kilekwa said she allowed the support of bee keeping as it does not hurt the environment but promotes conservation of trees.

“We are all aware of climate change effects, so government doesn’t encourage deforestation. Only projects that are environmentally friendly such as bee keeping are encouraged,” said Kilekwa.

Board Chair for Mbozi Bee keeping Association, Billy Moyenda thanked the MP for the support while commending the TRF for allowing them to use their forests. He pledged to support conservation of the forests as their source of income.

“Bees also help in conservation of trees as they act as security guards for the trees as no one can cut down trees without being stung by them,” he stressed.

Sharing is caring!