Bees for development
JOURNAL
No 131
• BEE GARDEN PARTY • HIVE COLONISATION • BEEKEEPING IN PAKISTAN • NEW LEARNING RESOURCES • WORLD BEE DAY
The Journal for sustainable beekeeping 1
July 2019
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
Dear friends
Reducing use of plastic bags brings many benefits: one is minimizing the creation of waste which ends up in the world’s oceans, harming marine life because bags are consumed whole by sea turtles, dolphins and whales, whose stomachs become crammed with bags and other plastics – and this happens on land too – in Africa killing cattle and elephants. If these plastics are incinerated, they create toxic air pollution. Rwanda is now aiming to be the world’s first plasticfree country, and its prohibitions are working: the UN named Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, Africa’s cleanest city, thanks in part to non-biodegradable plastic being banned for more than ten years. This month Rwanda’s parliament passed a law further
Issue 131 In this issue
July 2019 page
Africa celebrates World Bee Day . 3 Assessing factors that impact on hive colonisation ..................... 4 Beekeeping in Pakistan – history, potential and current status .......... 8 Trees Bees Use.............................12 Look Ahead..................................13 Book Shelf....................................14 Beekeeping training posters........16 Bees for Development Journal Produced quarterly and sent to readers in over 130 countries Editor: Nicola Bradbear PhD Co-ordinator: Helen Jackson BSc Subscriptions cost £26 per year - see page 14 for ways to pay Readers in developing countries may apply for a sponsored subscription: complete the form online at www.beesfordevelopment.org Bees for Development Works to assist beekeepers in developing countries.
prohibiting the manufacture, importation, use and sale of all single-use plastic items, thus extending the ban to plastic cups, straws, stirrers and water bottles, and most food packaging materials. Once again Africa is leading the way! ************* Here in UK we are heartened to know that members of our Royal Family are interested in bees, and at our biennial Bee Garden Party held in central London, we were delighted to be joined by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall. Her Royal Highness tasted many honeys on display from Australia, Ghana, India and Tobago, and was interested to know about the different bees and beekeeping practices involved. Organising this awareness and fund-raising event is a colossal task for our small team here at Bees for Development, however it is a crucial part of our work: to raise the funds that we need to continue providing this Journal to you, and our other beekeeper-readers world wide. Do let us know what you think of this edition – we love to hear from you and greatly value your news and opinions.
Nicola Bradbear Director, Bees for Development
Bees for Development Trust gratefully acknowledge: Alan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, Artemis Charitable Trust, Didymus Charity, E H Thorne (Beehives) Ltd, Ethiopiaid, Hiscox Foundation, Hub Cymru Africa, Martin Roman Foundation, Millom Rotary Club, National Lottery Community Fund, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Red Rivers Food, Rowse Honey Ltd, Stroud Buzz Club, The Rotary Foundation, UK Aid Direct, Wales for Africa, Welsh Government,Yasaeng Beekeeping Supplies and many other kind organisations and individuals. Copyright You are welcome to translate and/or reproduce items appearing in Bees for Development Journal as part of our Information Service. Permission is given on the understanding that the Journal and author(s) are acknowledged, our contact details are provided in full, and you send us a copy of the item or the website address where it is used.
Cover picture: Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall talks to Dr Kwame Aidoo, Director of Bees for Development Ghana at our fundraising Bee .Garden Party, held in June within the gardens of Marlborough House in London. Dr Aidoo’s participation was supported by the Martin Roman Foundation.
Bees for development
1 Agincourt Street, Monmouth NP25 3DZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)1600 714848 info@beesfordevelopment.org www.beesfordevelopment.org
Cover photo © Andy Sillett
Congratulations to readers in Tanzania! This month Tanzania becomes the 34th nation in Africa to ban the use of plastic bags. Your Journal is now delivered in a fully compostable wrapper made from potato and corn starch. Biodegradation takes place in compost, soil, fresh or salt water – when microorganisms are present the wrapper will break down in about ten days into carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
Africa celebrates World Bee Day David Mukomana President – Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe Africa joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Bee Day on 20 May 2019. The official celebrations took place at FAO HQ in Rome, where the African Region was represented by myself and Phillimon Kiemi, a young and ambitious beekeeper who is doing amazing things in his village of Singida, Tanzania. The message shared at the global celebrations, is about the need for Africa to take full advantage of the bee population from the Cape to Cairo for the benefit of Africa’s food security.
than eight meetings. Participation by stakeholders from different constituencies was encouraging, including honey displayed by 32 exhibitors. The exhibition allowed many people to interact with beekeepers and honey processors increasing awareness among the public of the importance of bees and how vibrant the sector is in Kenya. Guest of Honour, Hon Harry Kimtai, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture (Livestock), delivered encouragement towards Kenya becoming one of the largest honey producers in Africa.
Tanzania celebrations
Photo © Peter Kosmus
In Tanzania World Bee Day was celebrated with Dr Hamisi Kigwangala, Minister of Natural Resources, announcing the giant step the Government has taken to support beekeeping initiatives in the country through establishment of co-operatives and at least ten honey processing factories. The Government of Tanzania acknowledges the role bees play as pollinators in the ecosystem, and budget has been allocated in 2019/2020 to roll out new initiatives. Celebrations in Dodoma were graced by the Former Prime Minister, Mr Pinda who has motivated many beekeepers in Tanzania. The World Bee Day Celebrations were a perfect platform for every Tanzanian to know about the massive potential in beekeeping given the demand for honey globally and Tanzania’s current production of 4,800 tonnes.
Nigeria celebrations
Nigeria celebrated World Bee Day too: Nigeria Youth for Apiculture Initiative members took time to share with kindergarten children, talking about the benefits of bees. Investing in the young through apiculture will aid in promoting a sustainable future for all and increase job opportunities within Nigeria.
Dr Peter Kozmus – Apimondia Acting President, Mr Phillimon Kiemi – President of SYECCOS and Mr David Mukomana – Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa President at the World Bee Day Celebration in FAO, Rome
Kenya celebrations
Photo © Frederick Otieno Odera
Photo © Chi Okafor
World Bee Day celebrations in Kenya were held at the Railway Club grounds organised by Apiculture Platform of Kenya (APK) in collaboration with the National Government of Kenya, stakeholders and Nairobi City Government. The event was well organised with more
Ms Chi Okafor – Secretary-General of Nigeria Youth for Apiculture Initiative – explaining to children about beekeeping equipment
World Bee Day celebrants in Kenya 3
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
Assessing factors that impact on hive colonisation Robert Mtisi, Makoni Beekeepers Association, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe Introduction
Beekeeping is not about how many bee hives one has in the apiary. It is about having a good number of colonies. Beekeepers who take time focusing on improving their hive occupancy ratio have the greatest chance of making beekeeping a sustainable business that can strengthen the local and national economy. Beekeepers need to understand what bees are looking for when they seek a hive to occupy. Beekeepers will be successful if the wider honey bee population is healthy and thriving within a landscape with abundant and diverse forage. By understanding the bees’ needs, the hive occupancy ratio will improve.
Many beekeepers concentrate on increasing the number of bee hives in an area while giving insufficient consideration to hive colonisation. Too many hives are left idle without bees, which means the owner of the assets (hives) is not receiving any return from them. It is believed that most of Africa including Zimbabwe has a low hive occupancy ratio of 40% (Bradbear, 2009; Nyatsande, et al, 2014). The lack of knowledge about hive colonisation by many beekeepers impacts negatively on honey production. With this article I want to inform beekeepers how to create the best environment to support bees, improve honey production and strengthen local economies. The research took place in several apiaries in Zimbabwe that use the top-bar beekeeping system. The system was chosen by participants because of several advantages, including:
Map 1: Zimbabwe Agro-Ecological Zones
Study area
Makoni District is surrounded by four other districts in Manicaland Province 4
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
a) A relatively inexpensive hive, cheaper than frame hives b) Inspections can be carried out quite well c) It is possible to harvest honey, while causing minimal disturbance to the brood e) A good beeswax harvest can be achieved f) It is relatively easy to hang and site the hives.
Method
is Money, Nyakasikana, Emerald and Yorkshire), two District Agricultural Extension Officers (DAEO), one Forestry Commission District Officer (FCDO), two local leaders and two NGO representatives participated in the study. The participants were all purposively chosen (non-probability sampling). This sampling technique suits a qualitative method of enquiry. Participants were chosen if they had some of the following attributes: good reputation, position(s) held in the community, conserve the environment (not cutting down trees indiscriminately), a love of bees and trees, and knowledgeable about the issues in the study.
A group of eight members from Makoni Beekeepers’ Association, six prominent beekeepers from local small-scale honey producers (Working for Bees, Honey
Methods employed to generate data included a focus group discussion, interviews, a discussion with key informants, participant observation and document analysis. The local leaders, DAEOs, FCDO and NGO representatives formed the key informant team of participants. The Makoni Beekeepers’ Association were engaged in a focus group discussion, while the beekeepers from the local producer groups were individually interviewed. These methods generated a wealth of data about hive colonisation as a single aspect of beekeeping in the study area.
The research took place in apiaries that had between 2 and 20 hives set in one place.
Photos © Robert Mtisi
A qualitative method was used. This was chosen because it encourages participants to express their own views (constructivism) and uses personal, cultural and historical experiences to interpret situations (interpretivism). The use of a qualitative method also gave room for the provision of a wealth of insightful information into human behaviour, perception, attitude and experience (Denzin & Lincoln, 1994).
A trap/catcher box in the process of being colonised. This took place a day after melted beeswax was smeared on the top-bars plus a few drops on the hive entrance 5
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
Table 1. List of factors considered to have an impact on colonisation of hives.
1.
Beekeeper’s experience
H
2.
Beekeeper’s level of training
H
3.
Hive stocking density
H
4.
Bee colony population in the area around the apiary
N
The study took place in Makoni District which shares boundaries with Buhera, Mutare, Mutasa and Nyanga Districts in Manicaland Province. Makoni District falls into agro-ecological zones 2, 3, 4 and 5. The District receives annual rainfall of 1,400 mm and is at an altitude of 1,400 m. The District depends on an agro-based economy and villagers practise semi-commercial and commercial agriculture. Gum plantations, fruit tree orchards, tobacco fields and large areas of indigenous groundnut, maize and sunflower can be found in the District. Most areas covered by agricultural crops and trees are good beekeeping areas.
5.
Availability of bee pasture
N
Results
6.
Size of area around the apiary
P
7.
Hive quality
H
8.
Hives too big or too small
H
9.
Type of attractants
H
10.
Use of trap boxes or not
H
11.
Poor setting of trap boxes (too low)
H
12.
Weather
N
13.
Seasons
N
After listing all the possible factors and attributing them to different asset classes, we then counted the number of factors in each class. The results of this summary by asset class are shown in Figure 1.
14.
Poor siting of apiary
H
Discussion
15.
Poor setting of hive
H
16.
Predators
N
17.
Poor apiary management
H
18.
Poor honey harvesting practices
H
19.
Poor housekeeping in the bee yard
H
20.
Non availability of water source
N
21.
Unplanned chemical and pesticides use
H
22.
Small or big bee entrance point
H
23.
Poor timing of hive siting in relation to season
H
24.
Different types of hives
P
25.
Time of day
N
26.
Bee fly path
N
27.
Poor hive construction
H
28.
Drought conditions
N
29
Deforestation
H
30.
Poor environment around the apiary
H
31.
Belief that it is a natural happening
S
32.
Belief that colonisation of hives is by luck
S
33.
Belief that colonisation of hives is culture related
S
34.
Poor shade trees
N
Data
Asset
The discussions and interviews yielded a list of factors considered important in influencing occupation of hives, listed in Table 1. Results were coded with letters to identify them within the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (Bradbear, 2009). The Framework is a useful tool for assessing how Assets can be combined to yield sustainable development. The Framework focuses on Assets including Financial (F) Human (H), Natural (N), Physical (P) and Social (S).
The most important Asset Class that influences poor colonisation of bee hives is Human. This is good news because Human actions can be modified and changed through the acquisition of knowledge. Natural Assets also have some significant influence whilst Physical and Social have very little influence. Financial Asset was found to have no influence on hive colonisation. While the Financial Asset has no influence on hive colonisation it plays a significant role in improving other Assets that can be used to improve hive colonisation. For example, Financial Assets may be needed to attend a training course for a beekeeper to improve their skills. A balanced framework brings sustainable beekeeping with improved hive occupancy ratio. Interventions that focus on capacitating the beekeeper with knowledge on best practices in hive colonisation and the provision of suitable hives will result in improved hive occupancy ratio. Some aspects of Natural Assets are hard to change e.g. the weather, but a beekeeper must be knowledgeable about such issues and how they affect colonisation of hives. Agro-forestry and education are likely to fight deforestation that has left bees with no Figure 1. Chart showing number of factors that impact on hive colonisation by Asset Class
6
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A young beekeeper, Morat Mutisi, collected combs infested with wax moth from one of the hives. Bees left the hive because they could not live together productively with the wax moth. All these combs were affected
A bee hive poorly constructed and poorly set. It is not easy for bees to colonise and predators will easily find access into the hive
pasture. The best way to learn about hive colonisation in beekeeping is by doing it practically. Physical Assets can be modified by choosing the area where beekeeping takes place and through the provision of suitable, wellmade and well-sited hives. Both Financial and Social Assets can have an indirect bearing on Physical Assets. Better areas for bees can be found and partnerships can be established and other areas for beekeeping can be bought or rented. People can share sites for bees or pay to share land, through payments with honey. The results were communicated to those who took part in the research. This was done through presentations at a workshop. To influence others the findings can be used to produce a training manual on hive colonisation. References BRADBEAR,N.J. (2009). Bees and their roles in forest livelihoods. A guide to the services provided by bees and the sustainable harvesting, processing and marketing of their products. FAO, Rome, Italy. NYATSANDE,S.; CHITESA,A; SHAYAMANO,I. (2014) Beekeeping in Zimbabwe. Agritex, Harare, Zimbabwe. pp 10-15.
The author in a sunflower field. The brightly coloured sunflowers provide nectar and pollen for the bees. Hives close to the field were colonised easily. Integrating beekeeping with agro-forestry practices is an important land use management plan
Mice found in a hive during an inspection exercise. The hive will never be colonised as long as the mice are there – bees and mice cannot live together! 7
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
Beekeeping in Pakistan – history, potential and current status Khalid Ali Khan, Assistant Professor of Apiculture/Entomology, Unit of Bee Research & Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia Pakistan is in South Asia and ranks as the world’s sixth most populous country. It has a diverse landscape characterised by the high mountain ranges, picturesque valleys, desolate plateaus, the Indus basin, sandy deserts, sandy beaches, blue pools, and the mangrove forests along the Arabian Sea, each landscape characterised by its own vegetation. The topography of Pakistan has diverse climates, most of the areas receive adequate rainfall in Kharif and Rabi seasons which boost the vegetative growth and enhance the flowering of numerous plant species which are rich sources of nectar and pollen for bees. Most beekeeping practices are focused in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and central and north regions of Punjab but are growing rapidly. Beekeeping in Pakistan is not exploiting the full potential of bee forage plants found in forest cover and agricultural land including linear plantations, and rangelands. The bee flora present in the country can support up to 3.5 million bee colonies (Khan et al 2014).
Pakistan and all provinces
Pakistan is blessed with a wealth of naturally occurring flora and fauna including three species of indigenous honey bees: the Asian hive honey bee Apis cerana, the dwarf honey bee Apis florea, and the rock honey bee Apis dorsata. Apis andreniformis and Apis laboriosa are almost certainly present and awaiting identification.
Pakistan lies at the western end of the Asian honey bees’ range: the further dispersal of these bees is prohibited by the arid regions of Afghanistan. Apis florea is most likely due to the introduction by humans rather than natural spread. The natural arid barrier has prevented Apis mellifera (which dispersed out of Africa) and the Asian honey bees from mixing. Over evolutionary time different pests and pathogens associated with Asian honey bee species and Apis mellifera have arisen separately. Currently there are an estimated 10,000 beekeepers in Pakistan managing 600,000 Apis mellifera colonies who harvest more than 12,000 tonnes of honey annually.
The full potential of bee forage in Pakistan has yet to be determined
In Pakistan an estimated 10,000 beekeepers harvest over 12,000 tonnes of honey each year
(Image courtesy of https://www.shughal.com/the-10-most-stunning-lakes-of-pakistan/)
(Image courtesy Ahsan Khalil via https://www.pinterest.com/pin/300544975105555141/)
Beekeeping practices
8
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
the underlying cause was the transfer of diseases from Apis mellifera to Apis cerana since colonies of both species were kept in close proximity. A similar situation also occurred in India when the Apis cerana population was devastated by what is thought to be an epidemic of sacbrood contracted from imported Apis mellifera colonies. Soon after the import of Apis mellifera colonies, high yields of honey (40-50 kg per colony per annum) were recorded. But in 1981 beekeepers started to report problems associated with the ectoparasite honey bee mite Tropilaelaps clareae. This mite has a similar life-history to the Varroa mite in that it reproduces within the honey bees’ sealed brood cells. It is about half the size of Varroa, has a long and thin body shape and its natural host is Apis dorsata. However, there is less information about its biology, and it is unable to survive without brood. Perhaps it has a second unknown non-honey bee host on which it survives during the period when Apis dorsata is migrating? However, it has been able to successfully exploit Apis mellifera as a new host where it is believed to have caused up to 50% of colony losses in India, and decimated colonies in Afghanistan, causing an estimated 95% of colony losses in just three years. Therefore, it is a serious pest and beekeepers endeavour to control mite numbers by creating broodless periods or using acaracides. To add to their problems Varroa destructor was reported in 2002 (when already widely spread throughout Apis mellifera colonies). The presence of these two ectoparasitic mites is estimated to have reduced honey production by up to 50% as beekeepers learn how to manage them.
Beekeeping in Thandani, in the northeast of Abbottabad District and the foothills of the Himalayas (Image courtesy of Paul Snook via https://www.planbeeltd.com/tag/pakistan/)
A survey of beekeepers and honey hunters revealed that approximately 60, 70 and 10 tonnes of honey were harvested from Apis cerana, Aps dorsata and Apis florea colonies per annum respectively. Most of the honey is used for personal consumption or sold locally. Honey produced in Pakistan enjoys a good reputation in the Middle East due to its unique taste and quality. Pakistan exports about 4,000 tonnes of honey to Arab countries every year (worth US$23, €21 million)
Introduction of Apis mellifera
Apis mellifera colonies were first introduced to the subcontinent by Sir Louis Dane in 1908, but these colonies soon died due to excessive rains and lack of expertise.
Currently, beekeepers use flumethrin and fluvalinate strips imported from China - it is unclear if resistance has yet appeared. Formic acid is also used and trials using oxalic acid at NARC have confirmed that under local conditions it is effective. In addition, problems faced by beekeepers include American Foulbrood, chalkbrood and pesticides used by farmers that have increased almost ten-fold during the last ten years.
After several further failed introductions between 1988-1992, the Pakistan-German honey bee promotion programme for training in honey bee colony management and mite control measures was introduced. Mite infestation was one of the problems that caused the failure of previous introductions of Apis mellifera colonies. More recently the promotion of sustainable beekeeping and training in mite management is being carried out by Honeybee Research Institute (HBRI) of NARC, Agricultural Research Institute, Tarnab Peshawar, and Beekeeping Research Station, Rawalpindi. In the past few years, the numbers of Apis mellifera colonies have grown through queen rearing and colony multiplication from 10s of colonies to 100s of colonies that have been distributed to beekeepers, government, and research institutes by HBRI. These colonies have spread across a wide region of central Pakistan which is the most suitable for beekeeping.
A bright future
Despite the difficulties, the future of beekeeping in Pakistan looks bright with the harvesting of high quality honey of different flora including Acacia sp, Brassica sp, Citrus sp, clover (Melilotus officinalis), Eucalyptus sp , garranda/currant bush (Carissa opaca), kalongi (Nigella sativa), loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), mosquite (Prosopis juliflora), Robinia pseudoacacia, shain, sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Ziziphus sp, and many more in various ecological areas. The congenial climatic conditions along with plenty of bee flora offer tremendous opportunities for the growth and expansion of sustainable beekeeping in the country.
Pests and problems
160,000 hectares of mangrove forests in the coastal belt and the Koh Suleman range of south Punjab are another possible honey source which are yet to be explored. Northern areas of Pakistan are blessed with a plethora of natural plantations which are the principal sources of nectar and pollen for Apis cerana.
Prior to the large influx of Apis mellifera colonies, beekeepers in the mountainous regions were maintaining Apis cerana colonies as their main source of honey production, in addition to honey hunters who were harvesting Apis dorsata colonies from trees and collecting Apis florea honey. Between 1980 and 1983 almost all the Apis cerana colonies were killed by an epidemic of what is believed to be tracheal mite (but other diseases cannot be ruled out). It is likely that
Currently the beekeeping industry is supporting almost 27,000 families, who are adopting commercial 9
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
Mangroves – these are in Karachi – are a good source of honey
Women’s empowerment through honey bee farming is greatly encouraged
(Image courtesy of Rehan Ali via https://kashifiat.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/karachi_ mangroves.jpg)
(Image courtesy of Hashoo Foundation via http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KI4Pa2pfPZY/hqdefault.jpg)
beekeeping as self-employment for their livelihoods. Ziziphus honey, also known as the jujube, is a dark non-granulating honey with a strong flavour and aroma. This honey is in high demanded locally and in the Arab export markets. In addition to the Ziziphus crop in the autumn, beekeepers take another two to three honey crops yearly.
from beekeeping practices are associated with the biological nature of bee activities, like pollination services and conservation of natural flora. By the development of beekeeping large numbers of people are self-employed as commercial beekeepers and consequently improve their livelihoods.
Most Apis mellifera beekeeping is migratory, moving the bees from crop to crop. Beekeepers can exploit the wide range of climatic conditions and never need to sugar-feed their bees as forage is present year-round. Many research institutes are working on different aspects of bee research in Pakistan. NARC has established a honey-testing and quality laboratory to promote the value of bee products. It will assist the beekeepers to develop their export market by addressing issues like potential antibiotic and pesticide residues. The research institutes are organising training courses and workshops for people to adopt beekeeping as a cottage industry.
References AHMAD,R.; MUZAFFAR,N. (1984) Jadeed Magas Baani (In Urdu). Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan: 12-23. KHAN,K.A; ANSARI,M.J.; AL-GHAMDI,A; SHARMA,D.; ALI,H. (2014) Biodiversity and relative abundance of different honeybee species (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2 (4): 324-327. KHAN,M.A. (2015). Honey. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Government of Pakistan Regional Office Peshawar. https://www.tdap.gov.pk/doc_reports/REPORT_ ON_ HONEY.pdf LASHARI,K. (2009) Land Use Atlas of Pakistan. Ministry of Environment Government of Pakistan. https:// wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/9393/Land_ Use_ Atlas_of Pakistan-2009Pakistan_ LandUseAtlas_2009.pdf.pdf? sequence=3&is Allowed=y MAHMOOD,R.; KHALID,R.M. (2018). Making Pakistan from honey importing to honey exporting country. PARC. www.parc.gov.pk/index.php/en/ component/ content/ article/168-parc-flash-news-2018/1598-making-pakistanfrom-honey-importing-to-honey-exporting. SULEMANI,S. (2018) Peshawar’s honey market sweetens the lives of millions in the Arab world. http://www.arabnews. com/node/1365661/food-health WAGHCHOURE-CAMPHOR,E; MARTIN,S. (2008) Beekeeping in Pakistan: A bright future in a troubled land. American Bee Journal: 726-728.
In Punjab, apiculture is offered for Masters students. Apis cerana beekeeping is being encouraged in the mountainous regions where it is better adapted than Apis mellifera and does not suffer from mite problems. Pakistan is a place where beekeeping has real potential to expand to exploit the wide range of climatic conditions and different flowing seasons the country has to offer. Beekeeping and honey production is becoming a profitable business in Pakistan and it deals with eco-friendly practices. The non-farming business activities related to apiculture have good potential to deliver economic contributions. Supplementary paybacks
Khalid Ali Khan has a PhD in Entomology/Apiculture from King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 2010 he joined the Beekeeping Research Station, Rawalpindi, Pakistan as a Research Assistant. Dr Khan has continued interest in the field of Apiculture. He is now Assistant Professor at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. He is involved in experiments on honey, propolis, and other bee products at the Bee Research and Honey Production Unit. His research focuses on characterisation of honey and other bee products, bee health, molecular aspects of bee pathogens, and pollination ecology of bees. 10
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
Trees Bees Use Strobilanthes kunthianus - Neelakurinji Shiny Rehel, Keystone Foundation, India Family
Apicultural value
Acanthaceae
Strobilathes kunthianus is an excellent bee forage plant during its flowering period. The massed flowering attracts Apis cerana and Apis dorsata foraging for nectar and pollen. The honey is dark amber in colour and viscous.
Distribution
Strobilathes kunthianus, known as Neelakurinji in local language is endemic to the southern Western Ghats of India.
Reference https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/262772
Description
Strobilathes kunthianus is a profusely branched shrub with reddish branches. The leaves are elliptic and leathery. Flowers are borne in a spike, tubular and in clusters. It is a monocarpous plant, which flowers only once in its lifetime and then dies. The seeds are dispersed, and new plants arise which in turn bloom after 12 years.
WHICH TREES DO YOUR BEES USE? Send information to the address on page 2
Flowering period
Strobilathes kunthianus flowers during August to October, covering the hills with a bluish-purple carpet in dense massive bloom. The flowers wither soon with the rains.
Habitat
Main photo © Keystone Foundation Inset © Marimithu
It is commonly found along tropical montane Shola forest and grassland at altitudes of 1,400–2,400 m.
(above) Strobilanthes kunthianus flowers and (inset) Neelakurinji honey 11
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
NEWS
UGANDAN AWARD
Simon says his turning point was when he was walking in the bush close to home and came across a clay pot with bees and honey inside.
Simon Ojok who lost his vision after an attack by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels two decades ago has won a UGX 88m (US$23,517; €21,109) prize for a project to train young people in beekeeping.
In 2014, seven years after working with organisations supporting persons with disabilities, he started the HIVE Uganda programme, which currently manages more than 100 colonised hives. His project seeks to provide 60 high quality hives and honey-extraction equipment, honeyharvesting suits, gloves and boots to beneficiaries who are all visually impaired.
Simon was one of three, out of a pool of over 200 applicants from 27 countries, who were announced winners of the inaugural Holman Prize for Blind Ambition. The two other award winners were Penny Melville-Brown (UK) and Ahmet Ustunel (a US citizen of Turkish descent) both of whom are blind.
“I feel relieved that we will be able to demonstrate that anybody, blind or partially sighted, can participate in development,” said Simon.
The prize is awarded by the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a San Francisco-based charity that targets enterprising people who are visually impaired.
All the judges are blind. They found Simon’s project intriguing, considering that the scientific understanding of beekeeping biology was first worked out by the blind scientist, François Huber in the 19th century.
Simon’s target is to raise employment rates for blind and partially sighted individuals in the rural regions of Uganda. Born in 1981, he lost his sight in 1990 after falling into an ambush of LRA rebels in Gulu District. After a severe beating he incurred many serious head injuries. His vision quickly deteriorated as he could not easily access medication, but despite this, Simon took on menial jobs to survive and pay his school fees up to Senior Six.
Simon says he will use the prize money to teach visually impaired Ugandans to become beekeepers and entrepreneurs as part of his HIVE Uganda programme. Source: www.newvision.co.ug
REQUEST TO ALL OUR READERS
We are conducting a survey of delivery times for BfD Journal. Please send an email to info@beesfordevelopment.org to tell us the date you receive your copy of this edition – thank you! Everyone who responds will be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win a Bees for Development Bag for Life.
CYCLONE IDAI
TELL US YOUR STORY
The celebrations for World Bee Day in southern Africa were subdued because of the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai that claimed many lives. Many beekeepers in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe lost their beekeeping enterprises. Hives and colonies were destroyed, and equipment swept away with other belongings. Our thoughts and hearts are with these communities and wish them a quick recovery from such losses.
We accept articles and short reports on new or improved beekeeping techniques, information about bees and beekeeping in your country and your events. We welcome your comments and responses to articles we have published. Articles should be 800-1,600 words in length and accompanied by images. Items can be sent by post or in email text or attachment in Word of pdf format. We accept images as colour prints or digitally saved as jpeg files. Please send images at the size they are taken off the camera. (Images resized for website use are not suitable for printing.
David Mukomana, President - Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa
If it is not possible to include your submission in the Journal, we may place it in the Resource Centre on our website. All the information material we receive is added to our databank on beekeeping worldwide.
SPONSORED SUBSCRIBERS
If you change your email address or any other of your contact details remember to tell us. If we cannot contact you, we cannot sponsor you! 12
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
LOOK AHEAD BRAZIL
BBKA Spring Convention 3-5 April 2020, Harper Adams University Further details www.bbka.org.uk
XXV IUFRO World Congress 29 September – 5 October 2019, Curitiba Further details www.iufro2019.com
USA
CANADA
Foundations of Biodynamic Beekeeping 21 February – 15 August 2019, Online Further details www.biodynamics.com
APIMONDIA: 46th International Apicultural Congress 8-12 September 2019, Montréal Further details www.apimondia2019mtl.com
If you want notice of your conference, workshop or meeting to be included here and on our website, send details to Bees for Development.
GERMANY
Learning from the Bees Workshop and Conference 29 August - 1 September 2019, Berlin Further details www.learningfromthebeesberlin.com
BEES FOR DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
IRELAND
Federation of Irish Beekeepers Conference and Annual Beekeeping Summer Course 11-16 August 2019, Gormanston Further details www.irishbeekeeping.ie
Hackle and Floor Making Course 28 July 2019, Peterstow, Hereford Further details www.bit.ly/hacklefloor2019
KENYA
Certificate course Entrepreneurship in apiculture in East Africa Baraka Agricultural College, Molo Further details www.sustainableagri.org
An Introduction to Skep Beekeeping – Keeping bees in baskets 11 August 2019, Watchfield Further details www.bit.ly/skep0819
RUSSIA
Eurasian IV Symposium on Hymenoptera September 2019, Vladivostok Further details www.pages.biosoil.ru/hymenoptera2019
Straw Skep Weaving Course 21 September 2019, Peterstow, Hereford Further details www.bit.ly/Straw2019
SLOVENIA
Natural and Treatment-free Beekeeping with Leo Sharashkin 5-6 October 2019, Monmouth Further details bit.ly/sharashkin2019
TANZANIA
Willow Skep Weaving Course 6 October 2019, Monmouth Further details www.bit.ly/willow1019
10th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers 29 June – 3 July 2020, Ivanca Gorica Further details www.icyb.cz BSc Beekeeping Science & Technology University of Dar es Salaam Further details www.coasft.udsm.ac.tz
Sustainable Beekeeping Course 12-13 October 2019 Ragman’s Lane Farm, GL17 9PA Further details www.bit.ly/sustainablebfd
UGANDA
National Honey Week 26-31 August 2019, Lugogo Further details http://www.tunadobees.org
Bees for Development
UK
Bee Safaris
Honey Show/Bee and Pollination Festival 31 August – 1 September 2019, Bristol Further details www.bristolhoneyshow.co.uk
Bee Safari to Ethiopia 2-12 November 2019 Further details www.bit.ly/EthiopiaSafari2019
Conwy Honey Fair 13 September 2019, Conwy Further details www.conwybeekeepers.org.uk
Bee Safari to Trinidad & Tobago 3-13 February 2020 Further details www.bit.ly/TrinidadTobago2020
Scottish Beekeepers Annual Convention 14 September 2019, Aberdeen Further details www.scottishbeekeepers.org.uk
Don’t forget to like Bees for Development on Facebook or to follow @BeesForDev on Twitter
88th National Honey Show 24-26 October 2019, Sandown Park Racecourse Further details www.honeyshow.co.uk 13
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
BOOKSHELF The lives of bees – the untold story of the honey bee in the wild Thomas Seeley 2019 353 pages Hardcover There are different ways to regard the honey bee colony. The beekeeper focusses on the industrious aspects of bees to be utilised for human gain, while the scientist sees the honey bee as a sophisticated social insect – also highly convenient – to be studied, examined and reported ad infinitum. A third way to look at bees is as an admiring onlooker, taking delight in understanding the natural history of this wonderful species. In writing his new book, The Lives of Bees, Tom Seeley has endeavoured to adopt these three perspectives, while observing and seeking to comprehend and explain – what has not been explained before – how bees live in nature. Reading this otherwise untold story makes The Lives of Bees easily the most informative and mind-nourishing book on bees I have read. It provides the knowledge we need to rethink beekeeping. Tom Seeley deftly articulates how honey bees survive - and indeed thrive - living naturally inside trees. Yet when utilised within vast beekeeping industries, honey bees are currently suffering 30- 40% annual mortality. This marvellous new text will enable the thinking beekeeper to lean in towards the natural life system that delivers resilient and healthy honey bee populations. Tom Seeley’s work deserves to be celebrated far beyond the bee world - as well as being the foremost honey bee researcher and ecologist, he belongs within the current generation of spectacular nature writers. Available for purchase from www.shop.beesfd.org (£24.00 plus post and packing)
The bras and the bees F A Notley 2019 268 pages Hardcover Brian Sherriff is known to beekeepers in many nations for his famous beekeeping clothing with its distinctive ‘Sherriff’ star. This is the story of Brian’s life: having been given two bee hives while working as a factory director, Brian and his wife Pat decided to manufacture beekeeping clothing that offered strong protection from bee stings using their knowledge about the materials used in making women’s underwear. The book closes with a section Look after the bees – which lists the charitable organisations that Brian and his company have supported – including their generous support for Bees for Development.
Protecting pollinators – how to save the creatures that feed our world Jodi Helmer 2019 256 pages Paperback The world’s pollinators enable a third of all the crops that humans consume. However, over half of those 2,000 pollinator species are now threatened by the changes we have caused. Not only bees are being destroyed, but also bats, birds, and butterflies, and many other pollinators. This book outlines where the problems have come from including the overuse of chemicals and our heating planet. It offers practical and inspiring solutions in chapters titled: The need for native plants, Helping without hurting and Stand up and be counted! • Secure order and payment at www.beesfordevelopment.org • Credit/Debit card: We need card number, name on card, valid from and expiry dates, card issue number (if given), security number on back of card. • Cheque/bank draft in GBP payable to Bees for Development 14
WAYS TO PAY
Bees for Development Journal 131 July 2019
BOOKSHELF Global Hive – what the bee crisis teaches us about building a sustainable world Horst Kornberger 2019 146 pages Paperback The author argues that we must start thinking about ecology in a different way if we want to slow down the current detrimental effects to our planet. This is more than a study about the problems facing bees, it uses the crisis to explore the wider ecological and social issues.
QueenSpotting – meet the remarkable queen bee and discover the drama at the heart of the hive Hilary Kearney 2019 127 pages Hardcover Hilary Kearney is the creator of the beekeeping business “Girl Next Door Honey” that offers educational opportunities to hundreds of aspiring beekeepers in the USA each year. Her new book introduces the honey bee colony, the important relationship between the queen bee and the colony, and the life cycle of the queen. A wonderful and unique aspect of the book is “spot the queen” with 48 full colour close-up photographs where the reader is challenged to find the queen amongst the worker bees. The author is a professional swarm catcher and she relays stories of retrieving swarms from many unusual places including a speed boat and an owl’s nesting box.
The good bee – a celebration of bees and how to save them Alison Benjamin and Brian McCallum 2019 192 pages Hardcover In 2006 the authors began beekeeping in their garden in London, UK when they heard about the threat to bees through the loss of habitat and the opportunity for cities and towns to offer some refuge. The first chapter – Bees and Nature – includes an insight into the evolution of bees, species of bees and how to identify them, the honey bee life cycle and the life of social insects. The remaining chapters are about bees and humans, bees as deterrents, pollination, apitherapy and with the final chapter suggesting ways in which we can help bees in urban living: year round bee friendly flowers, shrubs and trees, nesting sites and materials, no use of pesticides and weed killers, leave the lawnmower in the shed, and create a watering hole for bees!
SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE
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This Journal is available for resource-poor beekeepers, projects, schools and groups in developing countries Supported with funds raised by Bees for Development Trust
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BEEKEEPING
Training
Posters
The Poster reproduced as the centrefold of BfD Journal 130 is the first in a new series of ten available now from Bees for Development. The images used are supplied by our partner organisation TUNADO - The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation. POSTER TITLES
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Creating an apiary site Advantages and disadvantages of top-bar hives Advantages and disadvantages of local style hives Four ways to get bees Protecting bees from pests and predators
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Forage for bees Harvesting honey and beeswax Beeswax Preparing honey for sale Enterprise analysis for beekeeping business
These Posters are free to projects and associations in developing countries and are included in our Resource Boxes for training events and workshops. Posters and Resource Boxes are also available for purchase through our website store. For more information visit our Resource Centre at www.beesfordevelopment.org Bees for Development, 1 Agincourt Street, Monmouth NP25 3DZ, UK Telephone +44 (0)1600 714848 info@beesfordevelopment.org www.beesfordevelopment.org © Bees for Development 2019 ISSN 1477-6588 Printed on environmentally friendly paper
