By Aondofa Antyever
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Benue State Coordinating Office, has commenced a strategic collaboration with the Beekeepers Association of Nigeria (BAN), Benue State Chapter, aimed at transforming the beekeeping sector and boosting honey production across the state.
The partnership was formalised during a collaborative meeting held on Friday, 6 February 2025, where both organisations deliberated on the development of a comprehensive project proposal for submission to the Benue State Government. The proposed initiative seeks to train 10 youths in each Local Government Area (LGA) cluster, under the supervision of a state project coordinator and three zonal extension officers, to modernise apiculture practices and create sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities.
Representing the State Coordinator of RMRDC, Engr. Sunday Durven described the initiative as timely and consistent with the mandates of both organisations, particularly in promoting Nigeria’s raw materials for optimal utilisation and value addition.
Discussions with the Chairman of BAN in Benue State, Mr. Teghtegh Aza Joshua, centred on designing a practical and scalable framework for modern beekeeping development. The proposed programme is structured around key components including capacity building, infrastructure development, technology transfer, market expansion, and research and development.
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According to both parties, capacity building will involve the establishment of training centres, hands-on instruction in modern apiculture techniques, and the introduction of a certification scheme for trained beekeepers. Infrastructure development will feature the distribution of modern Langstroth hives, establishment of honey processing and packaging centres in strategic locations, and creation of demonstration apiaries for practical learning.
Engr. Durven, observed that technology transfer initiatives will introduce improved bee strains suited to local ecological conditions, promote modern harvesting and processing equipment, and implement quality control and standardisation measures. While the market development will focus on cooperative marketing systems, linkages with domestic and export markets, and the creation of a distinct “Benue Honey” brand.
“Research and development activities will support studies on indigenous bee species and flora, development of locally adapted technologies, and documentation of best practices across Benue’s agro-ecological zones,” he noted.
The initiative is expected to generate substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits. Economically, it aims to raise honey production to commercially viable levels within two years, create direct employment for at least 230 beekeepers, and stimulate additional opportunities in processing and marketing. Socially, the project will empower youth and women, reduce rural-urban migration, and improve nutrition through increased availability of honey and related products and environmentally, it will enhance pollination services, promote biodiversity conservation, and support sustainable natural resource management.
The collaboration marks a significant step toward repositioning Benue State as a leading hub for honey production in Nigeria. Both organisations expressed confidence in the project’s prospects and reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a robust proposal capable of securing state government support and funding.
