Promotion of Beekeeping and Honey Production

One of the two original projects supported by Arkadaslar in Turkey is a rural economic development program that supports beekeeping and the production of honey among farmers in eastern Anatolia.  Our support goes directly to farmers through the Development Foundation of Turkey (Turkiye Kalkinma Vakfi) led by Altan Unver, a long-time friend of the Peace Corps and leader in economic development in Turkey.

Eastern provinces of Anatolia are blessed with the type of flora that is well-suited for beekeeping among very small farmers and landless villagers.  The result is a unique opportunity to supplement the low incomes of families in the region with very small investments.  The cost of one complete starter hive with swarms, queen bee, and a few simple tools is about $100.  Anywhere from five to twenty-five hives produces a supplementary income.  Initially, one hive generates 20 kilos of honey, an income of about $30 per year.  So, 25 hives would produce about 500 kilos and about $750 per year.  Over time, beekeepers increase the number of colonies by taking starting nucleus swarms from active hives into empty boxes with new queen bees.  Families pay back starter loans into a revolving fund over a five year period.

The Foundation has been distributing about 6000 new hives each year and provides extensive training and technical assistance both on-site and at the Kazan Agricultural Center in central Anatolia.  The Center reaches about one-third of the beekeepers throughout Turkey.  Arkadaslar is proud to have contributed $1000 over a two-year period to this innovative program.