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COVER PHOTO © BEES FOR DEVELOPMENT
Beesfor Development Journal 98
The 10th Asian Apicultural Association Conference took place in Busan, South Korea in November 2010, with over 4,000 participants. Our cover picture shows Korean beekeeping families waiting to greet delegates as they arrive. Read more on pages 8 and 9
ISSUE No 98 March 2011 In this issue
page
Practical beekeeping - dividing honey bee colonies in Ethiopia...........3 Local style beekeeping: Sierra Leone ..4 Trees Bees Use...................................6 World honey.......................................7 10th AAA Conference ........................8 Networks ...........................................9 News around the World ....................10 Recent research................................10 Letters..............................................11 Call to ban pesticides.......................11 Look & Learn Ahead/Notice Board ....12 Bookshelf.........................................14
Not just about bees
Many people all over the world, not just beekeepers, are concerned about the decline in honey bee populations, and a few governments are waking up to the problem. Scientists are working to define the situation, and to determine how honey bees are affected by the pesticides and other agricultural chemicals introduced in recent years. Campaigns are gathering momentum, especially on the internet – you can read more, see links and sign up at the Campaigns page of our website www.beesfordevelopment.org.
It is not just bees of course, but many insect species that are quietly and gradually disappearing, as well as the birds and other animals that depend upon them for food. Honey bees are championed by beekeepers, and this is another excellent reason for promoting the craft because when we show more care for honey bees, we take more care of all species and their habitat. Of course, we beekeepers must always ensure that bees are protected: this was not always the case when bees were abundant, and beekeepers could be sure that there would be bees available for the next season. In countries where bees and forests used to be abundant, beekeepers have practised forms of beekeeping where the bees were killed during harvest. This is no longer feasible, but with good training for beekeepers, bees can be protected and better quality produce harvested. An excellent example is given on pages 4 and 5, where Dr Kwame Aidoo worked with beekeepers in Sierra Leone to ensure that their beekeeping using local style hives was improved to ensure top quality harvests without harm to bees. These beekeepers are now practising sustainable and profitable beekeeping, using equipment that is cost-free. As we go to press, Bees for Development is enjoying a good moment here in the UK as the focus of BBC Radio 4’s Appeal for funds during the week beginning 6 March. The Appeal features one of our readers in Ghana – Prosper Agbeti. You can listen to Prospers’ story on the BBC website, read by Trust Patron Martha Kearney: go to www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ and follow links to Radio 4 Appeal. And, as Prosper did, do send us your beekeeping story – we are always pleased to hear from you!
PHOTO © JOHN MLULU
BfDJ98:March 2011
BfD Journal
Published quarterly by Bees for Development and distributed 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: apply for a sponsored subscription using the form on page 16 or through our website Bf D Trust UK Registered Charity1078803 works to assist beekeepers in developing countries.To become a Trust Supporter please see page 15 or visit www.beesfordevelopment.org
Bees for Development Post
PO Box 105 Monmouth NP25 9AA, UK Phone +44 (0)16007 13648 info@beesfordevelopment.org www.beesfordevelopment.org
Beekeepers, WWF and Udzungwa Mountain National Park officials met in December 2010 to find ways to improve market outlets for bee products. Many beekeepers are unaware of the value of beeswax. In Kilombero District we have 220 beekeepers, 21 beekeeping groups and Kilombero Valley Beekeepers’ Association.
John S Mlulu, Beekeeping Extension Officer, Kilombero District Council, Uganda
More News around the World on pages 10 and 11
SUPPORT: Bees for Development Trust acknowledge: Panta Rhea Foundation, Synchronicity Foundation and the many beekeeping groups and individuals who support our work. Please encourage your friends and colleagues to help.
