Rich
in biodiversity, the Mount Cameroon Area is becoming a center for
settlement for people from different communities. Considering the
Hospitable culture from the inhabitants within this area, easy
accessibility to every section of the area, favorable climatic
condition, fertile volcanic soil and most of all being a touristic
destination. All these has influence the immigration, settlement and
natural resource exploitation pattern of this area. In this light,
over exploitation, wildlife conflict, indiscriminate natural resource
exploitation, agricultural expansion and what have you is leading to the
extinction of some prestigious flora and faunae, habitat loss and loss of
conservation space etc.
On the other hand, Honey hunting has for long been one of the
traditional practice as the majority of the inhabitants relied on wild
honey hunting which has other wise been known to be the major source of
bush fire and loss of habitat. Considering the importance of this precious liquid; ranging from medicinal, production and nutritional value. Today,
Global Hand Cameroon is educating communities on sustainable harvesting
of this liquid gold through modern Bee Farming system using the Kenyan
Top-Bar Hive (KTBH).
Among the over 41 communities sharing direct boundary with the Mount
Cameroon National Park, the introduction of this practice has not been
wholly accepted reasons been that some community member can not
construct the hive, the KTBH is expensive, some are unable to manage the
hives, and the longevity from setting-up and harvesting.
Considering that some of these community members cannot read nor
write, we are looking forward to a more practical approach to pass and
implement this concept. On realization of this activity, household and
community livelihood will improve because these household will have a
regular and sustainable income. This activity will equally enhance the
interaction between humans and the ecosystem.
Today Global Hand Cameroon has open a pilot farm to promote the
culture of modern Bee Farming System. Meanwhile, we look forward to
introduce the aspect of transformation of honey and its bi-product thereby adding value to their
produce and increasing their individual income.
