Dear friends

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!

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.

PHOTO © JOHN MLULU

John S Mlulu, Beekeeping Extension Officer, Kilombero District Council, Uganda

More News around the World on pages 10 and 11