By: Sariba Manneh
Siaka Manga, general manager for National Beekeepers Association of the Gambia (NBAG) has said that deforestation have affected honey production across the length and breadth of country.
Speaking to The Voice in an exclusive interview at his honey farm alongside Farato- Brikama highway yesterday, he revealed that the extensive deforestation in the country has affected the production of honey because many bees had migrated due to the frequent bushfires and cutting down of trees.
According to him, bees play a pivotal role in the environment because they participate much on crop production in the farms, citing that these insects help in plant’s pollination so as to enable plants to produce well.
“The importance of honey cannot be over emphasizes because it provides income, medication as well as foods for the populace,” the honey producer told The Voice.
Manga, who spend over a decade in the honey business, said honey keepers are facing numerous challenges in the business owing to insufficient bees in the country, adding the challenges occurred as a result of frequent bush burning and deforestation.
He added that the sweet substances are marketing to their expectation, noting people are travelling from Senegal to purchase honey from them. “Even tourists are buying our products here; however this business is a great opportunity for the country,” he disclosed.
Manga advised Gambian youth to work hard in order to contribute in nation building, citing that sitting in ghettos and discussing about politics will not help the young people to develop financially.
“Let them go and work in agricultural activities. There are lots of lucrative areas they can be engaged to make money. With hard work and togetherness we can turn the Gambia to a better country,” he concluded.
