Honeybees contribute to the planet and its ecosystems in various crucial ways, including providing and securing nutritional security, pollinating crops and maintaining overall ecosystem health. However, less known is the cultural and economic benefits they provide to countries and cultures struggling against poverty. Beekeeping in Vietnam is an example of how caring for these crucial creatures also cares for local families and communities by alleviating poverty.

The Importance of Bees

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, a third of the world’s food production depends on bees. Despite such importance, the U.N. describes many threats towards honeybees and therefore the services they provide. Fortunately, bees in Vietnam have been flourishing, and so have their handlers.

About Beekeeping in Vietnam

The art and science of beekeeping is not new. A member of the Agricultural Ministry, Mr. Pham Lee first recorded techniques of beekeeping in Vietnam. However, as global poverty has increased, threats to such crucial economic and cultural foundations are threatened. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as of 2021, 4.4% of the population of Vietnam live below the global poverty line and 21 children out of every 1,000 die before their 5th birthday.

The honeybee known as A. Cerana has been particularly helpful in tackling such a monumental issue. Due to its high population, new techniques and development projects have emerged in the more rural and mountainous parts of Vietnam, which then help alleviate poverty in areas with limited access to government support and resources.

How Beekeeping Can Alleviate Poverty in Vietnam

The Green Climate Fund identified beekeeping in Vietnam as a promising way to help alleviate poverty and promote healthy ecosystems. By providing education on beekeeping and technological services, their efforts have shifted the average honey production in the country from 3 kg per colony to 7 kg per colony.

This increase in honey production led to financial successes, and also strengthened community bonds as more people were allowed the opportunity to start beekeeping. Members of the community share techniques and exchange resources, fostering a sense of unified resilience.

Looking Ahead

Due to its success as a route toward alleviating poverty in Vietnam, many are now viewing beekeeping as a source of economic and cultural gain in other impoverished communities. Overall, beekeeping in Vietnam has proven to successfully help alleviate the symptoms of poverty and shows promise to do so across the world. 

– Piper Jenkins
Photo: Flickr