Beekeeping is a dynamic activity in Togo’s Central Region. Many of the key players in this sector have received training on how to combat the wax moth, a species of moth that threatens beehives. This training is part of a wider aim to strengthen food security, protect biodiversity and ensure stable incomes for communities in the region.
Beekeeping is playing an increasingly important role in agricultural production in Togo’s Central Region. As well as diversifying incomes, it plays a role in pollinating crops and preserving biodiversity. However, diseases and pests pose a major threat to the harmonious development of this sector. Among these silent enemies is the wax moth, one of the most feared but often underestimated parasites in beehives. It is a species of moth whose larvae feed on wax, pollen, organic debris and sometimes young bees. Its destructive action often leads to colonies abandoning their hives, drastically reducing honey production.
Beekeeper training
As part of the promotion of sustainable beekeeping and the protection of bee colonies, three training sessions brought together 85 key players: beekeepers from three cantonal unions (Tchaoudjo, Tchamba and Sotouboua) and several agents from state institutions (Regional Veterinary Control Division, advisors from the Institute for Technical Support and Advice – ICAT, and private veterinarians). This initiative is supported by the ‘Healthy Bee Honey and Shea Butter from Small-Scale Producers for Remunerative Markets and Better Governance of Togo’s High Plateau Forests (MiKaGo)’ project implemented by Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse, the Ministry of Agriculture and technical partners such as the Zoology and Animal Biology Department of the Faculty of Science at the University of Lomé. This initiative is part of a wider effort to combat bee diseases in the central region of Togo.
The training aimed to increase producers’ knowledge of diseases that weaken bee colonies, with a particular focus on wax moth. During each of these sessions, the beekeepers discovered practical and sustainable solutions for protecting their hives by learning about the damage caused by the wax moth in the hives, understanding its life cycle, adopting appropriate prevention and control methods, and promoting good beekeeping practices to limit the damage. The course highlighted simple, accessible and environmentally-friendly methods for preventing and controlling wax moth. These included:
- Regular cleaning of the hives and removal of old or unnecessary combs
- Keeping frames cold or in direct sunlight when not in use
- Use of repellent plants such as neem in hive shelters
- Regularly rotate and occupy hives, as active colonies are less vulnerable.
Skills acquired
The training sessions combined theoretical presentations and practical field exercises, with demonstrations at a local apiary. Participants are now better equipped with new skills and are motivated to improve their practices.
Kabletchouka Makataliwè, Prefectural Veterinary Director for Tchaoudjo, explained: “There are a lot of things I didn’t know about beekeeping. In the past, we didn’t consider beekeeping to be a profitable activity, but today, thanks to the various support programmes, we’re more interested in this sector and are progressing thanks to the acquisition of all this new knowledge. This course has changed my vision of beekeeping.”
In order to continue to promote bee health and ensure the sustainability of these actions, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse and its partners plan to organise new training sessions focusing on other major bee diseases. This training is part of a wider drive to professionalise the beekeeping sector in the Central region, in line with the priorities of food security, rural income and environmental protection.
Alexandra BADABO
Project Assistant & Communication Focal Point