Introduction to Edwin Hara, lecturer at Mzuzu University

My name is Edwin Hara. I am a lecturer in the Forestry Department at Mzuzu University. I teach Apiculture (Beekeeping) and Forest Protection (Forest Entomology and Forest Pathology).

Background and Journey into Forestry and Beekeeping

Born in Mzimba District, Malawi, I developed a passion for environmental conservation early on. I earned a BSc in Forestry from Mzuzu University (2013–2017), gaining expertise in forest management and sustainability. I later joined Malawi College of Forestry and Wildlife as a Lecturer, equipping technicians with practical forestry skills at diploma level. Pursuing a Master’s in Tropical Forestry at Bangor University (2020–2022) expanded my knowledge of global forestry challenges. In 2023, I became a lecturer at Mzuzu University, focusing on forest protection and Apiculture.

My interest in bees developed through my work in forestry, where I recognized the critical role of pollinators in forest health and biodiversity. Their impact on ecosystems and being source of people’s livelihoods inspired my passion for beekeeping as a conservation tool. Teaching apiculture allows me to engage with students and farmers, promoting sustainable beekeeping for forest protection and community empowerment.

Mzuzu University (Mzuni) partners with Bees for Development

In 2023, Mzuzu University partnered with Bees for Development to enhance apiculture education by prioritizing practical experience over theory. This collaboration provides hands-on training while equipping students with essential beekeeping skills through the provision of hive-making tools, safety kits, and reference materials to support learning. A key initiative from the partnership is the establishment of a training apiary (Living lab) on campus, where students engage in hive management and honey harvesting

Apart from technical training, students explore forest conservation and sustainable land-use practices by understanding how healthy ecosystems support beekeeping. This partnership further fosters a generation of beekeepers committed to environmental sustainability and economic opportunities in apiculture.

Beekeeping Teaching Experience/Lessons from Teaching My First Beekeeping Course

Teaching my first beekeeping course was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of both apiculture and education.

I have learned the power of hands-on learning, as students grasped concepts better through hive handling and honey harvesting. While theory provides essential knowledge, students grasp concepts much more effectively when they engage directly with beekeeping activities such as handling hives, observing bee behavior, and participating in honey harvesting.

Safety is also key when handling bees especially when dealing with large groups of people like a class by providing adequate protective gear, clear instructions and well-structured learning environment.

Students are particularly engaged when they understand the linkage how beekeeping connects to forest conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. This help students develop a genuine interest in beekeeping while some expressed a desire to start their own apiaries, while others saw beekeeping as a way to contribute to conservation efforts.

Challenges and Improvements in Teaching Beekeeping

Teaching my first beekeeping course was rewarding but came with challenges requiring adaptability. Limited practical field trips made hands-on learning difficult. The university did not have a working apiary, making field trips essential but difficult to accomplish. Balancing theory and practice required careful planning, while varying student engagement levels meant adjusting teaching methods.

Next year, we plan to increase hands-on learning by introducing more hives in the training apiary for more hive management experience. More field visits and interactive demonstrations will enhance student engagement and practical skills.

My Beekeeping Journey/Personal Beekeeping Experience

Teaching apiculture has deepened my passion for bees and transformed my perspective towards beekeeping. What began as an academic subject is now turning into a hands-on journey as I establish and manage own apiary as a business.

We have started off with six top-bar beehives, all successfully colonized, and plan to expand. Beyond honey production, the apiary is planned to serve as a learning platform for aspiring community beekeepers, supporting NGOs and academic institutions advocating for sustainable apiculture. This project is about fostering knowledge, empowering communities, and promoting environmental conservation through beekeeping.

Closing Remarks

Teaching beekeeping has been rewarding, allowing me to merge conservation with sustainable livelihoods. Through apiculture education, students, farmers, and communities are empowered with knowledge and skills to protect forests while benefiting economically.