5 Reasons Beekeeping is Good for Development

It must be human nature to seek out simplistic solutions and all-in-one fixes. It's certainly the case for global development practitioners, many who are constantly on the lookout for the newest poverty alleviation fad. Well, there's never going to be a catch-all solution for development, but added to the arsenal of good practices, beekeeping can help bring many out of poverty in the developing world. Not convinced? Here are some reasons why beekeeping could be the new buzzword in development:

1. Reliable Income. Since there is a high demand for bee-related products like honey, wax and pollen even in poor areas, beekeeping contributes to sustainable livelihoods. The profits from beekeeping often go towards things like school fees, which also helps in the fight against poverty. "I started keeping bees when I was little," says Nyeko, a Ugandan friend currently living in the U.S., "and this enabled me to pursue my education as a result of selling the honey." Not only does the activity support those who own hives, income benefits are funneled to other community members who sell the supplies, build hives and make and sell secondary products.

2. Low Cost: "I chose to start a beekeeping project because is cost effective and is very easy to manage," says Nyeko, who has been organizing to start a community apiculture project in his home village.  Nyeko and his community were displaced by war in Northern Uganda, and as they begin to return home, they are left with few resources and little support themselves. With just $300 fundraised in the U.S., Nyeko has managed to buy 50 hives for the most vulnerable in his village — widows, orphans, child-headed families and people living with AIDS . Unlike other agricultural pursuits, bee keepers don't have to own land or even be settled in one location. Initial inputs are relatively inexpensive. Construction of hives can be done with readily available local materials like bamboo and palm, and bees come naturally to the hive once it's built.

3. Gender-Friendly: Because land ownership isn't a prerequisite, women and child-headed families can equally take part in places where owning land is restricted to men (whether by cultural taboo or economic disparity). Since the poorest of the poor are often women and children, this is an important factor. It is also less time and labor-intensive than other income-generating activities like farming, sewing, or vending. This means women, already burdened by domestic responsibilities, are still able to take part.

4. Ecologically Sustainable: In addition to the economic benefits of apiculture, beekeeping is good for the environment. It is a non-extractive practice and even gives back to the ecosystem. Bee pollination is key for flourishing plant life. With honeybee populations mysteriously dying off, beekeepers will be needed to help conserve biodiversity.  More bees pollinating more fruit and nut trees will lead to better quality seeds and fruits — a plus for those concerned with food security.

5. Supports Good Health: Scientific studies and centuries of anecdotal evidence tell us that bee products such as honey, pollen, royal jelly and propolis are very beneficial for human health. "Apitherapy" — or the use of bee products for therapeutic purposes — is both an ancient practice and a growing trend. Honey contains a host of vitamins and nutrients including vitamins A-E, potassium, iron and live enzymes. Both honey and bee pollen have been shown to have antimicrobial properties.  Additionally, they act against allergy attacks (seasonal allergy sufferers often report consumption of locally produces honey mitigates their symptoms). Among other maladies reportedly eased by bee products are malnutrition, bacterial infection, gastrointestinal discomfort and arthritis.

According to Bees for Development (the go-to info center/research body/development partner devoted to promoting beekeeping for "sustainable livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity"), beekeeping cannot cure problems of poverty, climate change, urban sprawl, or deforestation. However, "it offers an environmentally beneficial activity that helps people to fight against them." Like any other development tactic, it should be paired with extension services, market access (including good public infrastructure) and conservation efforts.

As I said before, beekeeping alone won't save the world. But it gives us one more tool for the job.