Beekeeping and sustainable livelihoods

Bees pollinate flowers and plants and, by so doing, provide the seed for the next harvest. Pollination services are an important source of income in the industrial countries, and the practice is gaining merit wherever commercial farming is encouraged. A colony of bees provides food and income for a family. Honey and wax find ready markets in local communities. Honey is the basis for a range of sweeteners, drinks, medicines and foods, and a well-managed hive can provide 30 kg or more annually. Wax is widely used as an industrial feedstock for candle-making, polish and other products.