Abstract:

In nearly all countries of the world bees and their products are not only well known and have wide consumer preference, but provide sustainable livelihoods to many small-scale farmers and other rural and non-rural people. Bees offer a large potential with minimal investments. As an agricultural enterprise beekeeping does not require land ownership or rental, it can be started with equipment and tools that can be sourced locally and in many instances skills and knowledge required for such an enterprise are found within local traditions. As a business enterprise it offers not only diverse products, for example honey and wax among others,which can be sold in local markets and become an important source of regular income for farm families,but can also provide complementary services, such as crop pollination.Moreover bee products improve farm family nutrition and can provide for traditional health care remedies.