By Burnett Munthali
Right Honourable Vice President Jane Ansah has encouraged Christ Citadel International Church in Zomba to venture into bee keeping, highlighting the numerous benefits associated with this agricultural practice.
Ansah made the call during a visit to the church on Sunday, where she emphasized the potential of bee keeping to generate income and improve the livelihoods of community members.
Bee keeping is a lucrative business that requires minimal investment and can generate significant returns, making it an attractive option for individuals and communities looking to diversify their income streams.
The Vice President noted that bee keeping can also contribute to environmental conservation by promoting the preservation of bee habitats and pollination of plants, which is essential for food security.
In addition to its economic and environmental benefits, bee keeping can also provide a source of nutritious food, as honey is rich in antioxidants and has medicinal properties.
Ansah urged the church to take advantage of the favourable climate and soil conditions in Zomba to establish bee keeping projects, which can benefit the community and provide a model for others to emulate.
Experts in bee keeping stood in front of the church to clearly explain how to go about the enterprise as a way of making sure the church stands financially independent.
The VP Jane Ansah encouraged Christ Citadel International Church to continue standing financially independent rather than asking for financial help from individuals and politicians or big walks saying the church could easily be trapped into sin as you don’t know the exact source of such money as above of it could be coming from corruption and the dark world.
She stressed that the church must always question where the money given to the church is coming from.
The church has expressed interest in taking up the Vice President’s suggestion, citing the potential to empower its members and contribute to the local economy.
Bee keeping is a relatively low-maintenance agricultural activity that can be undertaken by people of all ages and abilities, making it an inclusive and accessible venture.
With the right training and support, bee keeping can become a significant contributor to the local economy and a source of pride for the community.
The Vice President’s call to action highlights the importance of exploring alternative livelihoods and promoting sustainable development in rural areas.