Physical Address
Forest Hill P.M.B. 5054 Jericho G.R.A,Ibadan, Oyo State
In a significant move towards empowering local communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa (Niger State) conducted a training and capacity-building workshop on modern beekeeping. The initiative aims to combine sustainable livelihoods with biodiversity conservation and provide local communities with the skills to venture into beekeeping as a profitable and eco-friendly enterprise.
Empowering Local Communities with Beekeeping Skills
As the only wildlife practical-related institution under the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) in West Africa, the Federal College of Wildlife Management plays a crucial role in capacity building for surrounding communities. This week, the college conducted a comprehensive training session for communities in Popo, Fakun, Kere, and Koro districts, all located in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The beekeeping training was facilitated by Dr. Halidu S.K., the Provost of the Federal College of Wildlife Management, and supported by the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan. The training was designed to equip participants with the essential skills, knowledge, and technical know-how to establish and manage beekeeping enterprises that contribute to both sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation
A Unified Effort for Sustainable Development
The opening ceremony of the training brought together key stakeholders and experts in the field of wildlife management and environmental conservation, including:
- Dr. Halidu Shafui K. (Provost, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa)
- Dr. Adelakun Kehinde
- Mall Akawu Rabiu
- Mr. Johnson Emmanuel
- Staff from the college procurement office
The training is part of a broader initiative to create economic opportunities for local communities while promoting the importance of biodiversity conservation. Beekeeping, which plays a vital role in pollination and ecosystem health, has significant potential to contribute to local income generation and environmental stewardship.
Training Focus: Practical Beekeeping for Sustainable Growth
In his address, Dr. Halidu S.K. emphasized that the training program was tailored to help participants gain practical knowledge and technical skills required to start and run successful beekeeping ventures. The goal is not only to support sustainable livelihoods for local communities but also to highlight how beekeeping contributes to the conservation of local ecosystems and biodiversity.
By focusing on modern beekeeping practices, the training aims to equip participants with knowledge on:
- Bee management techniques
- Honey production
- Sustainable farming practices for environmental health
- Economic opportunities through beekeeping
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Through this initiative, the Federal College of Wildlife Management and FRIN continue their mission to empower communities and foster sustainable livelihoods. The training is designed to provide both economic and ecological benefits, creating a win-win situation for the people of Niger State and the surrounding environment.
This beekeeping initiative aligns with the broader goals of biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture, offering a model for other regions to follow.
