Key facts
- The war in Gaza has devastated the beekeeping industry.
- Around 30,000 beehives have been destroyed.
- Access to farmland for beekeepers has been cut off.
- Honey production is at 10% of pre-war levels.
- Beekeepers are placing hives on rooftops.
- Sugar supplements are being used to feed bees.
The war in Gaza has brought the region's beekeeping industry to the brink of ruin. An estimated 30,000 beehives have been destroyed, and access to essential farmland for foraging has been cut off due to the conflict. This devastation has crippled honey production, which now stands at a mere 10% of its pre-war levels.
Beekeepers are struggling to cope with the immense losses and the challenging conditions. Many are attempting to salvage their livelihoods by relocating hives to rooftops, a makeshift solution to find safe spaces for their bees. Furthermore, to sustain the colonies, beekeepers are forced to provide sugar supplements, a practice that deviates from traditional beekeeping and impacts the quality and quantity of honey produced.
The destruction of farmland and the ongoing conflict create an environment where beekeeping cannot thrive. The loss of natural foraging grounds, coupled with the direct destruction of infrastructure, presents a significant obstacle to recovery. The economic impact on beekeepers, who rely on honey production for their income, is substantial, pushing them towards ruin.