ZOOM IN ON LIBERIA
In 2003, Arjays Farm located in Carysburg (east of Monrovia) obtained funds from the European Union to involve the local people in its operational area to keep bees for income generation. They started with 10 top-bar hives and now handle 100 colonies in various apiaries in the
History The country was first named as the Grain Coast (abundant grains of Malegueta pepper) by the Portuguese in 1461. Liberia, which means ‘Land of the Free’, was founded by free African-Americans
communities. Their honey bee colonies also improve pollination of fruit crops in farmers’ fields. Honey yields in the area range between 10-20 kg and this is readily bought at Liberian
and freed slaves from the USA in 1820.
$500-600 (€6-8; US$8-10)
Joseph Jenkins Roberts
of the True Whig Party was Liberia's first President. The True Whig Party ruled Liberia from independence in 1847 until 12 April 1980 when indigenous Liberian, Sergeant
per kg.
September 2007, the Community Development Service of Mercy Ships’ MV Africa Mercy trained and equipped 45 women in two groups from communities near Monrovia. Ninety-two top-bar hives were set out to attract bee colonies in the dry season. In
Samuel K Doe, seized power
in a
coup d'état.
On 24 December 1989, Charles Taylor invaded Liberia from Céte d'Ivoire. From 1989 to 1996 one of Africa's bloodiest civil wars
ensued, claiming the lives of more than 200,000 Liberians. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervened
Beekeeping equipment Most beekeeping projects in the country use top-bar hives constructed by local carpenters. Other equipment such as smokers and bee suits are either imported or fabricated locally.
in 1990 and succeeded in preventing Charles Taylor from capturing Monrovia. Prince Johnson - formerly member of Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) - formed the break-away Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). Johnson's forces captured and killed Doe on 9 September 1990. a
Beekeeping associations/organisations There are no organised beekeeping associations operating in the country.
An Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU) was formed in The Gambia under the auspices of ECOWAS in October 1990, headed by Dr Amos Sawyer. During the general election of 19 July 1997, Charles Taylor and his National Patriotic Party emerged victorious. Taylor’s misrule led to the resumption of armed rebellion from among Taylor's former adversaries. On 11 August 2003, under intense US and international pressure, President Taylor resigned office and departed into exile in Nigeria.
Research No documented research into bees and beekeeping.
Education Beekeeping is not a taught subject in any known institution in the country.
August 2003 a two-year National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) was formed, headed by Gyude Bryant. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) took over security in Liberia in October 2003 with a force of nearly 15,000. On 18
References
.
ADEVU, M (2007) Personal communication
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE (2007) Bureau of African Affairs May 2007. www.state.gov/p/at/ci/li/
The 11 October 2005 presidential and legislative elections and the subsequent 8 November 2005 presidential run-off resulted in
Thanks to our West Africa Correspondent, Kwame Aidoo, for sending
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf defeating international soccer star George Weah 59% to 40%, to become Africa’s first democraticallyelected female president.
,
the information and illustrations.
Have we ZOOMED IN on your country? Send us information if you would like your country to feature here.
NOTICE BOARD
a brief description of the project’s objectives, the proposed food production or income-generating activities, the work plan, the number
of participants, a detailed list of inputs with cost estimates and the
COMPETITION 2008. See www.aulaapicolazuqueca.com/
reporting arrangements. Submit your request to the office of FAO or UNDP in your country. See www.fao.org and inform BfD of the outcome of your application.
WINNING WORK
APIACTA
Congratulations José Quezada-Euan from Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan in Mexico who received an IFS Jubilee Award and prize of
For the beekeeper and bee scientist Apiacia the Apimondia Journal. Available online from www.apimondia.org
US$2,000 for his research project Genetic variability of indigenous
BEE CRAFT
bees from the Yucatan Peninsula.
A full colour monthly magazine for beginners and experts alike covering all aspects of beekeeping in the UK and Ireland. 22 for 12 issues (one year). Credit cards accepted. For free sample copy and overseas rates contact secretary@bee-craft.com
International Apiculture Photography Contest - closing date 30 April
IFS calls for applications for research grants from young scientists in developing countries see www. ifs.se
PROJECT FUNDING
ULUDAG BEE JOURNAL
FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, supports beekeeping projects in developing countries. Beekeepers’ groups and associations may apply for small project funding of up to US$10,000
News, practical information and research articles - a link between Turkish beekeeping and the world. Published quarterly in Turkish with
from the TeleFood Special Fund. Request documents should include
English summaries. See www.uludagaricilik.org
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