By 
By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Kingdom of Eswatini has reported an annual honey production of 35 tonnes, a figure that, while commendable, reveals the untapped potential in the country’s apiculture industry.
This was cited by the Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka during the opening of a recent three-day workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Apiculture, held at the Hilton Garden Hotel.
The workshop, which brought together apiculture specialists and AMR focal points from across Southern Africa, was convened to address pressing issues such as the use of antimicrobials in beekeeping, the development of AMR in the sector, and effective mitigation strategies.
Minister Mandla Tshawuka emphasized the significance of the workshop where he stated that it is a crucial step toward advocating for the prudent use of antimicrobials in apiculture.
The workshop also aimed to transfer knowledge on honeybee diseases and pests, enhance understanding of biosecurity measures, and promote good beekeeping practices.
These discussions were anchored in the One Health principles which highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Additionally, the workshop was said to provide a platform for dialogue on the regulations governing beekeeping treatments across the Southern African region.
In his keynote address, the Minister expressed gratitude to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for entrusting Eswatini with hosting such an important event. He noted that this is the second WOAH workshop hosted in Eswatini, following the 2011 Workshop on Diseases of Honeybees for the Southern Africa Sub-region.
The Minister highlighted Eswatini’s long-standing commitment to WOAH, having joined the organization in 1970. He acknowledged the country’s diligent participation in setting animal health standards, which has been instrumental in maintaining Eswatini’s disease-free status in various areas, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP).
Despite the relatively modest annual honey production of 35 tonnes, Minister Tshawuka pointed out that Eswatini’s natural and man-made forests, coupled with favourable weather conditions, present an ideal environment for honey production. Beekeepers in the country can harvest honey up to three times a year, highlighting the potential for growth in the industry.
However, the Minister also identified several challenges that continue to hinder the full realization of this potential. These include pests and diseases affecting honeybee populations, habitat loss, poor management practices, environmental pollution from chemicals, and the broader impacts of climate change.
The workshop also delved into the threats posed by these challenges, not just to the apiculture industry, but also to the broader agricultural sector and environmental biodiversity.
Minister Tshawuka warned that the loss of honeybee colonies could disrupt pollination services, which are vital for food production and the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
The Quadripartite, comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and WOAH, has outlined a strategic framework for collaboration on antimicrobial resistance.
This framework envisions the preservation of antimicrobial efficacy while ensuring sustainable and equitable access to these crucial substances for responsible use in human, animal, and plant health.
The Minister expressed the importance of aligning with this vision and urged participants to support these global efforts.
Eswatini, in response to the global call for action, has implemented several strategic interventions to address AMR. These include the establishment of a Multi-stakeholder Antimicrobial Containment Committee, the development of a National Antimicrobial Resistance Containment Plan, and the extension of the Implementation Plan for AMR activities until 2025.
The country has also formulated regulations under the Animal Disease Act of 1965, specifically the “Regulations and Control of Veterinary and Medicinal Substances, No. 1 of 2012.”
These regulations have created a robust framework for the importation, distribution, and use of veterinary products, though the Minister acknowledged the ongoing challenge of inadequate veterinary products specifically registered for honeybee ailments.
Moreover, Tshawuka called for urgent research and investment in veterinary products for apiculture, stressing the need to safeguard the industry from unscrupulous practices that exploit farmers.
He expressed hope that the workshop would yield productive discussions and actionable outcomes to ensure the survival of honeybee populations and, by extension, the well-being of humanity.
The Minister also invited participants to explore the beauty and tranquillity of Eswatini during their stay, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to both its natural heritage and the development of its apiculture industry.
