I’ve always been proud of the number of unique and useful resources that Bees for Development has at its disposal. I am constantly thinking about the ways in which we can best communicate and share our information with beekeepers around the world. Of course, there is nothing quite like the feel of a new training manual in your hands and no real substitute for the experience of being able to flick through pages one of our Bees for Development Journals or training manuals. Access to information, however, is changing. and quickly! Mobile phone access has increased (especially in developing countries with poor landline infrastructure) at an impressive rate and apps like WeChat or WhatsApp are (for some) the ‘go to’ means of communication.

The Coronavirus pandemic has only increased the urgency for Bees for Development to diversify its methods of information distribution. Lockdowns and international travel restrictions have made it almost impossible to access a PO box, or for us to send the Journal to you, because it travels by airmail. We will of course continue printing our much loved resources and will get them to you as soon as we can, but in the meantime, why not get involved with our new WhatsApp broadcast group called BfD Connect. Many beekeepers may not be able to access a PO box, however they do have access to a phone.

Bees for Development will send regular broadcasts to everyone who signs up. We want many people to benefit. Each broadcast will provide a link for the subscriber to find out more about the topic. Some weeks it will include a PDF factsheet, links to pages on our resource centre, useful video clips or images. We want to create the content that you need. Please do feel free to ask any beekeeping related questions, challenges and successes that you may have. Your experience will help others!

A broadcast is typically a one-way communication. A subscriber will receive a broadcast message from BfD Connect, and they can reply if they wish. They will not be able to connect with every other member of the group – their response will be read only by BfD Connect. We hope that we can encourage subscribers to engage this way, and send us information (photos and videos) that we may then broadcast widely. We will also use the broadcast group to update you when we create new resources, or to gain information through surveys, and to promote your events or projects to share with a wider audience.