Our work in the Caribbean
In Brief
Posted: 2 November 2018
Bees for Development has been involved with a number of Caribbean initiatives since 1992.
Our main partner organisation in the Caribbean is ACBO, the Association of Caribbean Beekeepers’ Organisations. Bees for Development has been closely involved since the inception of this organisation, which seeks to support the beekeeping industries of small island nations.
We have worked for FAO in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and with support from CARTF, undertaken beekeeping research with top-bar hives in Tobago.
In 2011 we undertook a survey of the beekeeping practices of nine Caribbean nations, on behalf of CDE.
The Overall Goal of the project was to increase the production of honey, improve quality to achieve premium prices and increase overall revenue and sustainability and profitability of the industry.
The Specific Objectives were: To conduct a diagnostic and preliminary technical assistance aimed at addressing a number of constraints to expansion and profitability:
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- Residue contaminant testing and monitoring to meet regulatory requirements/ food safety
- Control of pests and infestation
- Correct packaging and labelling of honey
- Correct breeding procedures for queen bees and other bees.
- Supply of queen bees, hives for start-ups
- On-going advice to small scale farmers
- Opportunities for market segmentation and development of niche and added value products.
