In March 2019 devastating Cyclone Idai caused havoc in Southern Africa. From the east coast of Mozambique it travelled through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Madagascar, causing around 1,300 deaths. More than 3 million people suffered loss of family members, their possessions, homes and livelihoods.
Beekeeping is an ideal livelihood, with low input costs when bee hives are made from local materials, and quick to set-up. Beekeeping is the basis for resilient and sustainable livelihoods for many people. In these nations of sub-saharan Africa it helps to support families, and can be also a ready source of quick cash when needed. It is a feasible alternative to forest products like charcoal, where the beekeeper becomes a protector of the forest - as honey production is directly related to the health of the forest.
Many beekeepers in Manicaland (Zimbabwe and Mozambique) have lost their hives, and consequently their livelihood, because of Cyclone Idai. Swept away by the flooding, destroy