Principles of beekeeping training

By Bernhard Clauss, Germany

Bernhard has trained beekeepers in several countries including Botswana, Germany and Zambia. Here are his top tips for making sure that beekeeping training is excellent.

STARTING POINTS

Who asked for the training?

· First Priority - beginners (leaders of self-help groups, students, teachers, youth club members) and beekeepers (among them respected leaders, representatives of beekeeping groups).

· Second Priority - Beekeeping trainers and extension staff who have identified the need for more demonstrations, practice and experiments.

How qualified is the trainer?

Trainers must:

· be “fearless” beekeepers who handle bees gently and in a respectful way.

· be used to, and confident enough, to work and assist with using only locally-made equipment and protective clothing.

· respect local customs and languages.

· be flexible but reliable: advisors who can listen create confidence.

Are there proper training facilities?

There must be:

· enough occupied hives available for demonstrations and practicals (a minimum of six hives).

· sufficient and appropriate beekeeping equipment, teaching aids, and rooms or shelter for lectures.

· adequate accommodation and catering facilities.

No more than eight participants per trainer ensures intensive participation in practical bee handling.

Is the trainer aware of the need for careful planning?

Targets: the needs of participants and the use of local resources must be considered.

Season: the best time for basic courses is the beginning of the cropping season.

Period of training: the trainer should decide on the form the training will take. The length of the course and whether to include extension visits will depend on the needs identified.

Will the participants be selected with care?

The requirement of participants influences the planning procedure. Participants should be grouped. Ideally they should have the same level of education, experience, motivation, and beekeeping experience.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

· The development of interest in bees through participation and communication throughout the course.

· The development of knowledge through understanding.

· Information relevant to the actual needs of the target group and to beekeeping practice in general.

TRAINING METHODS

Teaching behaviour of trainers should include:

· a positive social attitude.

· the ability to speak spontaneously.

· encouragement of participation.

· persuasive power by setting examples.

· frequent changes of methods and teaching aids to maintain interest.

· alternation of theoretical and practical lessons: whatever participants achieve in practice needs to be confirmed in theory.

· practical involvement of participants with special abilities: trainers should utilise “experts” within a group to work to help others who are less advanced - this will contribute towards development of self-confidence.

· various methods for recapitulation: revising by answering questions set by the trainer is dull!

· connecting theory with practice as much as possible is the best way of strengthening knowledge.

The method by which the trainer teaches will influence the extent of participation and success of the training.

EVALUATION

· Evaluation must determine whether the objectives are achieved.

· The trainer should make notes and consider whether there was a good learning atmosphere - “how did things go?”

· The knowledge acquired by participants can be checked by participation: presentation, demonstration, silent reading and questions should be followed by discussion.

· Simple, evaluation questionnaires can be distributed and analysed.

Formal tests may not be suitable to promote a lively learning atmosphere.

FOLLOW-UP

· Follow-ups are based on evaluations, including analysis of failures or shortcomings.

· Results of follow-ups should influence and improve future courses.

EXTENSION

Continuation of training on the beekeeper’s homeground:

· Extension activities are based on follow-ups.

· Whatever has been started by the participant at home should be continuously monitored by extension personnel.

· Extension workers must never hesitate to assist and demonstrate whenever needed.

· Extension visits can be aimed at individuals or organised for group meetings.

· Extension personnel must keep records on each individual or group.

· Extension visits can result in refresher or advanced courses.

Bernhard’s beekeeping training books are amongst the best available. The Zambian Beekeeping Handbook is available from Bees for Development.

[Bees for Development Journal #45]

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