Baseline Study Final Final Final

APICULTURE: A CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT IN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING

STATES (SIDS)
Baseline Survey Of Management Practices In The Apiculture Industry In
Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Samoa & Trinidad And Tobago
Richard A. Matthias 01/06/22
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APICULTURE:
A CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN
SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS)
BASELINE SURVEY OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE APICULTURE INDUSTRY IN

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, DOMINICA, GRENADA, SAINT KITTS & NEVIS, SAINT LUCIA,
SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES, SAMOA & TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Prepared by:
Richard Matthias,
President,
Iyanola Apiculture Collective,
St. Lucia
SEPTEMBER 2022
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Acknowledgements
The author wishes to acknowledge the following persons and entities for supporting the data collection
and analysis for this report:
- Mr. Giles Romulus, National Coordinator, GEF SGP UNDP St. Lucia;
- Ms. Agnes Espirit, National Coordinator, GEF SGP UNDP Dominica;
- Ms. Ilis Watts, National Coordinator, GEF SGP UNDP St. Kitts and Nevis;
- Mr. Filifilia Iosefa, National Coordinator, GEF SGP UNDP Samoa;
- Ms. Kadijah Edwards (deceased), National Coordinator, GEF SGP UNDP Grenada;
- Dr. Sharda Mahabir, National Coordinator, GEF SGP UNDP Trinidad and Tobago;
- Ms. Tasheka Haynes, National Coordinator, GEF SGP UNDP St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
- Mr. Gladstone Solomon, Past President, Association of Caribbean Beekeeping Organizations
(ACBO);
- Mr. Aubrey Roberts, Past President, Association of Caribbean Beekeeping Organizations
(ACBO);
- Ms. Beverly Riddock, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Beekeeping Association;
- Ms. Dannielle Badarinwa, PRO, Trinidad and Tobago Beekeeping Association (TTBA);
- Mr. Kevin Smith, Tobago Apiculture Society (TAS);
- Mr. Allan Williams, Extension Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
- Mr. Jude Hector, Adult Team Challenge, Grenada;
- Mr. Andy Paul, Beekeeper, Grenada;
- Mr. Jorge Murillo-Yepes, Beekeeper, Grenada.
- Ms. G. Deslyn Richards, Beekeeper, St. Kitts and Nevis.
- Dr. Jeune Guishard-Pine, St Kitts Beekeepers Cooperative.
Picture credits Richard Matthias and Sharda Mahabir
CITATION:
Matthias, R. A. 2022. Apiculture: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing
States (SIDS). Baseline Survey of Management Practices in The Apiculture Industry in Dominica,
Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Samoa & Trinidad and
Tobago. Statistical analysis by Sharda Mahabir PhD. Published as part of the South-South Regional
Project funded by GEF SGP UNDP, Castries, St. Lucia.
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Preface
A core principle of sustainability is LEARNING, that is, to keep on discovering, because it is via this
process that one can at minimum approach the goal of optimization when interacting with NATURE.
This means using the natural and social sciences and the more creative artistic side to discover and
increase knowledge. One might say that this is true for many areas of study and not exclusive to
Apiculture, but it is often the principle that humans fail to integrate into development processes. Let us
avert any misleading conclusions here, and state upfront that we do not advocate standing motionless
to learn then to act, but rather to set-up systems to enable continuous learning and innovation while in
action. A multi-variable learning system, which includes Action Learning.
Perhaps the most implicit message in this baseline study by Richard Mathias, is to use science to
develop the Apiculture Industry in SIDS, from the primary level of production to the tertiary level and
beyond. Bees to Richard, are nature’s example of specialization within a cooperative management
paradigm, for the betterment of the entire colony in symbiosis with nature. There is hierarchy, but not
the dominant type, but the caring type – all for all.
This baseline study is meant to present to the student or the researcher or the policy maker or the
interested person, the present situation with respect to Beekeepers and aspects of Apiculture in seven
countries, id est, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Archipelago, and Samoa in the Southern
Pacific. It does not cover all major topics in Apiculture but focuses exclusively on four sets of variables
as follows: (i) The Demographic Profile; (ii) The Level of Knowledge and Skills; (iii) The Production and
Management Practices; and (iv) Discovery and development of new livelihood options – i.e., moving up
the value chain, from honey to apitoxin to api-tourism and beyond. From this study one can also
discover the many areas of weaknesses that require urgent attention. Baselines can in many respects
open up a multitude of directions for investigations and interventions.
What is implied, but explicitly missing in this baseline study, is the focus on ecology, conservation and
resource management. The study highlights the need for increasing and diversifying forage for bees
through agroforestry interventions but does not deal with issues of carrying capacity of ecosystems,
which can lead to an overabundance of one species. Notwithstanding these highly important topics,
one cannot discount this study, because it augments our knowledge and responds to its circumscribed
limits determined by funding and time, and as result, it has achieved its goal.
Finally, as the first Saint Lucian Master Beekeeper graduate from Cornell University, Richard must be
complimented, because this contribution is an excellent situational analysis for the countries involved.
Above all, Richard, has set us up to LEARN, at least along those variables selected for study.
Giles Romulus
BA (hons.); PGDip. ESRM (dist.); MES; PGDip. LACS
National Coordinator GEF SGP UNDP (Saint Lucia)
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Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary 10
2.0 Introduction 15
2.1 Pollinators and beekeeping in the Caribbean 15
2.2 Why is a survey of this kind important? 15
2.3 Background 15
2.4 Review of the historical data in the beekeeping sector 16
2.4.1 Main species of bees in the Caribbean 16
2.4.2 Lessons learnt from beekeeping initiatives across the Caribbean 18
2.5 Objectives 18
3.0 Methodology 20
3.1 Actions Undertaken 20
3.1.1 Review of the apiculture sector in all 6 islands 20
3.1.2 Data collection from beekeepers 20
3.1.3 Data collection from beekeeping organizations 22
3.1.4 Challenges and limitations of this survey 22
4.0 Summary results for the participating countries 24
4.1 Data collection 24
4.2 Collation of survey results for all the Caribbean islands 24
4.2.1 Demographic Information 24
4.2.2 Apiaries and Forage 27
4.2.3 Apiculture knowledge and management 28
4.2.4 Honey production and value-added products 32
4.3. Summary of results for all participating countries 34
4.4 Distribution of bees across the Caribbean and Samoa 35
4.5 Commonality of bee forage across the Caribbean and Samoa 37
5.0 Antigua and Barbuda 38
5.1. Country context 39
5.2. Baseline survey of beekeepers 40
5.2.1 Demographic data 40
5.2.2 Apiaries & Forage 41
5.2.4. Honey production and value-added products 44
5.3 Bee Forage in Antigua and Barbuda 45
5.4 Antigua and Barbuda Summary 45
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6.0 Dominica 47
6.1. Country context 47
6.2. Baseline survey of beekeepers 48
6.2.4. Honey production and value-added products 52
6.3 Bee Forage in Dominica 53
6.4 Dominica Summary 53
7.0 Grenada 55
7.1 Country context 55
7.2 Baseline survey of beekeepers 56
7.3 Bee Forage in Grenada 60
7.4 Grenada Summary 61
8.0 St. Kitts and Nevis 63
8.3 Bee Forage in St. Kitts and Nevis 69
8.4 St. Kitts and Nevis Summary 69
9.0 St. Lucia 71
9.3 Bee Forage in St. Lucia 77
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9.4 St. Lucia Summary 77
10.0 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 79
10.3 Bee Forage in St. Vincent and the Grenadines 85
10.4 St. Vincent and the Grenadines summary 85
11.0 Trinidad and Tobago 87
11.3 Bee Forage in Trinidad and Tobago 92
11.4 Trinidad and Tobago Summary 93
12.0 Samoa 95
12.3 Bee Forage in Samoa 101
12.3. Samoa Summary 101
13.0 Conclusions, Recommendations and Way Forward 103
13.1.0 Comparison of historical data with this beekeeping surveys 103
13.1.2 Review of recommendation for the Caribbean region 104
13.1.3 Further recommendations and way forward 105
14.0 References 107
15.0 Annexes 110
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Table of Figures
Figure 1 Genetics of Honeybees in St. Lucia ....................................................................................... 16
Figure 2 Distribution of Apis mellifera scutellata (Africanized bees) in the Caribbean (CABI 2021). ..... 17
Figure 3 Distribution of Apis mellifera mellifera (European Honeybee) in the Caribbean (CABI 2021). 17
Figure 4 Distribution of Apis mellifera linguista (Italian HoneyBees) in the Caribbean (CABI 2021)...... 18
Figure 5 Graphical representation of responses from participating countries ....................................... 24
Figure 6 Age distribution of all respondents ......................................................................................... 25
Figure 7 Gender distribution of respondents ........................................................................................ 25
Figure 8 Operational status of respondents ......................................................................................... 25
Figure 9 Registration status of respondents ......................................................................................... 26
Figure 10 Years of experience of respondents ..................................................................................... 26
Figure 11 Major sources of information that respondents rely on most for beekeeping. ....................... 26
Figure 12 Location of respondent apiaries. .......................................................................................... 27
Figure 13 Proximity of apiaries to others. ............................................................................................. 27
Figure 14 Factors influencing location of apiaries. ............................................................................... 28
Figure 15 Maximum distance a bee will travel to forage. ...................................................................... 28
Figure 16 Identification of characteristics of different casts of bees. ..................................................... 29
Figure 17 Number of colonies managed by respondents. .................................................................... 29
Figure 18 Factors that cause colony loss. ............................................................................................ 29
Figure 19 Frequency of hive inspections. ............................................................................................. 30
Figure 20 Frequency of requeening of hives. ....................................................................................... 30
Figure 21 Percentage of respondents providing additional nutrition to their bees. ................................ 30
Figure 22 Methods used by respondents to identify varroa mite infections. .......................................... 31
Figure 23 Percentage of beekeepers that follow an integrated pest management plan. ....................... 31
Figure 24 Frequency of harvesting honey by quarter. .......................................................................... 32
Figure 25 Number of gallons of honey harvested by respondents. ....................................................... 32
Figure 26 Products harvested and developed from hives ..................................................................... 33
Figure 27 The major factors limiting the development of beekeeping enterprises. ............................... 33
Figure 28 Distribution of Apis mellifera sculleta (Africanized bees) according to survey results. .......... 35
Figure 29 Distribution of Apis mellifera linguista (Italian Honeybees) according to survey results. ....... 36
Figure 30 Distribution of Apis mellifera mellifera (European Dark bee) according to survey results...... 36
Figure 31 Map of Antigua and Barbuda................................................................................................ 39
Figure 32 Demographic data for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers ..................................................... 40
Figure 33 Apiaries and forage data for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers. .......................................... 41
Figure 34 Apiculture knowledge and management for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers. ................... 42
Figure 35 Disease diagnosis and treatment information for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers. ........... 43
Figure 36 Honey production and value-added products information for Antigua and Barbuda
beekeepers. ......................................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 37 Bee forage in Antigua and Barbuda ..................................................................................... 45
Figure 38 Map of Antigua and Barbuda................................................................................................ 47
Figure 39 Demographic data for Dominican beekeepers. .................................................................... 48
Figure 40 Apiaries and forage data for Dominican beekeepers ............................................................ 49
Figure 41 Apiculture knowledge and management for Dominican beekeepers. ................................... 50
Figure 42 Disease diagnosis and treatment information for Dominican beekeepers. ........................... 51
Figure 43 Honey production and value-added products information for Dominican beekeepers. ......... 52
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Figure 44 Bee Forage in Dominica....................................................................................................... 53
Figure 45 Map of Grenada. .................................................................................................................. 55
Figure 46 Demographic information for Grenadian beekeepers. .......................................................... 56
Figure 47 Apiaries and forage information for Grenadian beekeepers. ................................................ 57
Figure 48 Apiculture knowledge and management information for Grenadian beekeepers. ................. 58
Figure 49 Disease diagnosis and treatment information for Grenadian beekeepers. ............................ 59
Figure 50 Honey production and value-added product information for Grenadian beekeepers. ........... 60
Figure 51 Bee Forage in Grenada........................................................................................................ 60
Figure 52 Map of Saint Kitts and Nevis. (https://d-maps.com/) ............................................................. 63
Figure 53 Demographic data for beekeepers from St. Kitts and Nevis. ................................................ 64
Figure 54 Apiary and Forage information for beekeepers from St. Kitts and Nevis. .............................. 65
Figure 55 Apiculture knowledge and management for St. Kitts and Nevis. ........................................... 66
Figure 56 . Disease diagnosis and treatment information for beekeepers from St. Kitts and Nevis. ..... 67
Figure 57 Honey production and value-added product information for St. Kitts and Nevis. .................. 68
Figure 58 Bee forage in St. Kitts and Nevis .......................................................................................... 69
Figure 59 Map of St. Lucia (https://d-maps.com/)................................................................................. 71
Figure 60 Demographic information for St. Lucian beekeepers. ........................................................... 72
Figure 61 Apiary and forage information for St. Lucian beekeepers. .................................................... 73
Figure 62 Apiculture knowledge and management information from St. Lucian beekeepers. ............... 74
Figure 63 Disease prevalence and treatment for St. Lucian beekeepers.............................................. 75
Figure 64 Honey production and value-added products for St. Lucian beekeepers. ............................. 76
Figure 65 Bee Forage in St. Lucia........................................................................................................ 77
Figure 66 Map of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (https://d-maps.com/) ............................................ 79
Figure 67 Demographic information for beekeepers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ................. 80
Figure 68 Apiary and forage information for beekeepers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines ............ 81
Figure 69 Apiculture knowledge and management for beekeepers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
............................................................................................................................................................ 82
Figure 70 Disease prevalence and treatment for beekeepers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ....... 83
Figure 71 Honey production and value-added product for beekeepers from St. Vincent and the
Grenadines. ......................................................................................................................................... 84
Figure 72 Bee forage for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ................................................................... 85
Figure 73 Map of Trinidad and Tobago. (https://d-maps.com/) ............................................................. 87
Figure 74 Demographic data for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago.............................................. 88
Figure 75 Apiary and forage information for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago. ........................... 89
Figure 76 Apiculture knowledge and management for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago. ........... 90
Figure 77 Disease prevalence and treatment for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago..................... 91
Figure 78 Honey production and value-added products for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago. .... 92
Figure 79 Bee forage in Trinidad and Tobago. ..................................................................................... 93
Figure 80 Map of Samoa. .................................................................................................................... 95
Figure 81 Demographic data for Samoan beekeepers. ........................................................................ 96
Figure 82 Apiaries and forage data for Samoan beekeepers. .............................................................. 97
Figure 83 Apiculture knowledge and management information for Samoan beekeepers. .................... 98
Figure 84 Disease prevalence and treatment for Samoan beekeepers. ............................................... 99
Figure 85 Honey production and value-added products for Samoan beekeepers. ............................. 100
Figure 86 Bee forage in Samoa. ........................................................................................................ 101
Figure 86 Bee forage in Samoa. ........................................................................................................ 101
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Executive Summary
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1.0 Executive Summary
Food security is dependent on pollination services and in the Caribbean, the Honeybee provides vital
pollination services to the environment and agriculture. Apiculture has been in existence within the
Caribbean since the late 1600s and it is a recognized, traditional trade across most of the Caribbean
islands. However, within recent times, with increased urban development and climate change impacts,
beekeeping is slowly becoming a lost tradition.
The main objective of this initiative is to collect baseline data, which will be used to develop strategies
to establish an Apiculture Industry in Saint Lucia and identify and develop clear pathways towards the
development of the same in 6 Caribbean countries and 1 Pacific Country (Samoa). This document will
summarize the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAPs) of beekeepers, with a view towards
identifying the gaps in the industry and recommending strategies for addressing these in the
participating countries. It is hoped that this data will inform strategies to strengthen the sector in the
participating countries.
In order to achieve these objectives, an online beekeeping survey, containing 20 questions, was
created to collect information on the following:
I.Demographic data - These questions provided information on the age and experience of the
beekeepers;
II.Geographical Information - These questions assessed the understanding of the beekeepers on the
space and forage allocations for bees. It advises on the weaknesses in the knowledge of the
beekeepers;
III.Apiculture knowledge and management - These questions gauged the knowledge of the
beekeeper on bee biology as well as their hive management practices. This also highlighted the
weaknesses in the knowledge of the beekeepers.
IV.Honey production and value-added products - These questions gauged the beekeeper’s
production levels and whether or not the beekeepers were developing or had developed other value-
added products.
Overall, this survey was able to sample 193 beekeepers, representing 24% of the beekeepers from the
participating countries.
In terms of demographic data, the surveyed beekeepers across the participating countries had a wide
age distribution but the majority were male, part-time registered beekeepers, with only 1-5 years’
experience in beekeeping, who get their beekeeping information from the internet and other
beekeepers.
In terms of geographical information, the majority of the interviewed beekeepers indicated that their
apiaries were located in rural agricultural spaces, with few beekeepers within a 3 km range. They
indicated that the deciding factors for the location of their apiaries was access to land and the presence
to forage for the bees. In terms of their apiculture knowledge and management, the majority of the
interviewed beekeepers stated that they managed 1-10 colonies, which they inspected every 1-2
weeks. They identified diseases as an important cause of colony collapse, however they admitted that
they did not test for diseases.
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Burlew (2022) and UF (2022) stated that requeening of hives should occur every 1-2 years, at least.
However, most of the beekeeping respondents indicated that they either do not requeen; requeen every
2-3 years or do not know about requeening at all. This poor practice would have resulted in weak hive
performance and production.
Artificially feeding bees was identified as a good practice, especially in the months of dearth of food
resources for bees. Just over half of the interviewed beekeepers indicated that they do feed their bees
additional nutrition however, there is a need to address the forty-one percent (41%) of the respondents
that do not.
In terms of pest management, the majority of the respondents stated that they use their eyes to detect
varroa mite, which is not an appropriate technique for infestation identification. As a result, most
respondents indicated that they do not treat for varroa mite and do not have an integrated pest
management plan. This is another set of poor practices that would have resulted in poor hive
In terms of honey production, the majority of respondents indicated that they harvested between 1-3
gallons of honey once per quarter. They also stated that they harvested beeswax as another hive
value-added product. Funding, sourcing beekeeping supplies and technical support were identified as
the top three major challenges affecting the development of their beekeeping.
The respondents of the survey were also asked to identify the species of bees most commonly found
on their island. The European, Italian and Africanized bees were identified by beekeepers in most of the
islands. Only Samoa and Trinidad and Tobago reported the presence of stingless bees, that produce
honey. Of all the countries, Trinidad and Tobago indicated the highest number of bee species, with
Dominica reporting the least. Interestingly, Samoa reported European and stingless bees.
The respondents were also asked to identify the most common forage that their bees feed on.
Interestingly, the responses from across the Caribbean and Samoa were similar. The most common
forage across all of the participating countries were mango (Mangifera indica), Coconut (Cocos nucifera
L.), Avocado (Persea americana, Miller), Palm (Palma sp.) and Cashew (Anacardium occidentale).
Many of the poor management practices identified by the survey would explain the low productivity with
the apiculture sector within the participating countries. This report supports the findings of BFD (2011)
which stated that the Caribbean countries share common challenges and as such, most countries
produce enough honey only for their local market. As such, the following recommendations are
suggested, based on the current survey:
1. Best Practices:
a. Beekeepers to be trained in best practices for maintaining bee health in the apiary.
b. Varroa mite testing – Based on recent field observations in at least two of the
participating countries, there is a need to complete country surveys to review the levels
of infestation across the Caribbean region. This is extremely important if the industry is
to be expanded in participating countries.
2. Viral Load Analysis
a. Following from 2, viral load analysis should also be conducted for the Caribbean. Bees
suffer from a number of viral diseases, and these can act in conjunction with other pests
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and pathogens. Training for responsible persons in bee disease analysis, apiary
inspection and disease status monitoring is required.
3. Integrated Pest Management Programs (IPMP)
a. Beekeepers should be trained in Integrated Pest Management Programs (IPMP) and
this must become the norm. Beekeeping CSOs, Divisions or dependents within the
Ministries of Agriculture, within each of the respective countries, need to closely monitor
existing and emerging biological threats to colonies.
4. Education and Skills Development:
a. Beekeepers should be provided with accurate theoretical and practical skills training on
how to nurture a well-adapted and healthy island honeybee population (genetics theory,
selecting queen breeder colonies)
b. Queen rearing training programmes (principally for increase) should be developed and
be well supported, with follow-up support from key partner CSO’s and relevant MoA
Officials.
5. Value-added products:
a. Training workshops in making value-added products should be held in each of the
islands to encourage the development of varied products.
b. Api-tourism should be developed across the participating countries and added to current
tourism packages and offerings. Countries should also consider linking their tours
together for example to provide an apitourism tour of the Caribbean. Tours should also
be encouraged for beekeepers across the region.
6. Agro-chemical testing:
a. The growing need to feed an increasing global population of human beings has resulted
in the excessive use of agrochemicals as the means to controlling pests and increasing
yields. Work is urgently needed in South/South collaborating countries to establish
appropriate ways to determine the effects of agro-chemicals on the environment and
especially, native flora and fauna. Preliminary work has thus far indicated that toxic
chemical exists in concentrations much higher than acceptable limits. There is need to
increase testing in order to augment understanding of the potential damage they may
inflict on honeybees, and pollinators on the whole, and how to minimize their growing
adverse impacts.
7. Medicinal honey:
a. Honey is an ancient remedy which has recently regained recognition of its usefulness to
modern medicine for its medicinal properties. World demand for medical grade
anti‐microbial honeys is growing, and demand begins to approach a level whereby
existing sources, predominantly New Zealand manuka honey may need to be
supplemented by other sources. Medicinal honey can be developed for the region since
many of our islands possess plants with these important immunity supportive
characteristics. It is therefore recommended that beekeepers be supported in the
development of medicinal characteristics of honey with the planting of key medicinal
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plants and trees in the vicinity of apiaries. This will not only provide the resins and nectar
that can be processed by bees for medicinal honey, but it can also support protection of
important natural spaces.
Finally, Scientific Apiculture should be considered one of the sustainable enterprises, which can
emerge and be sustained out of a country’s rich biodiversity. It also contributes to the justification for
the conservation and preservation of habitat, ecosystems, and protected areas. From a financial and
economic perspective, biodiversity and its direct and indirect by-products are also part of the wealth of
a nation. Let us not destroy that option in SIDS.
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Introduction
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Pollinators and beekeeping in the Caribbean

BES-NET (2018) states that information on pollinators is scarce in the Caribbean region, however,
there is a trend towards a reduction in populations. The main drivers for this are increased urban
development, climate change impacts, land degradation, use of toxic chemicals and new diseases and
pests brought on by climate change. The impact from pests and diseases as well as information on the
diet and nutrition of bees, which are a direct result of the aforementioned drivers, is non-existent. Also
needed is research to gauge the understanding of beekeepers of these threats to their trade.
BFD (2011) states that the Caribbean countries share common challenges and as such, most countries
produce honey only for their local market. The causes of this low total supply are a combination of lack
of bees, a degraded environment for bees and weak country approaches to managing bee health. As a
result, few new beekeepers are entering the craft.
A revamping of the apiculture sector, to include the rearing of Apis sp. and others, is an important start
in addressing pollinator conservation within the participating countries. When combined with the
planting of key forage species, this strategy could not only help to address pollinator decline but also
land degradation especially from deforestation.
In order to address pollinator decline, including in the beekeeping sector, it is therefore important to
gauge the understanding of those within the sector. This document seeks to summarize the
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAPs) of regional beekeepers, with a view towards identifying the
gaps in the industry and recommending strategies for addressing them in the participating countries.
2.2 Why is a survey of this kind important?

1. There is little documentation available in the Caribbean on the status and trends of pollinators or
the link between specific threats and pollinator decline. This survey will provide important
information on bees, thereby filling a gap in the data;
2. Bees are susceptible to diseases caused by different parasites, viruses and other pathogens,
which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change;
3. Regional beekeepers represent important conservators of pollinators and hence, it is very
important to capture their understanding in order to utilize them as ambassadors for pollinator
conservation in their respective countries.
2.3 Background
In 2019, GEF SGP UNDP received funding to implement a South-South apiculture and biodiversity
project. The overall goal of this project was to establish an Apiculture Industry in Saint Lucia and
identify and develop clear pathways towards the development of the same in six Caribbean and one
Pacific Country. The central thesis of this project concept is that Apiculture provides SIDS with options
for sustainable enterprises development while strongly promoting the rehabilitation and conservation of
the terrestrial biodiversity, protection of soils, reduction of turbidity rates in rivers and the coastal zone,
15
and protection of coral reefs. This initiative hopes to couple conservation of at least one protected area
with sustainable livelihood opportunities, that reduce the aforementioned threats and develop greater
partnership amongst stakeholders, within and amongst Caribbean countries (GEF SGP 2019).
In order to establish an efficient and effective knowledge management system, it was agreed that a
baseline survey would be conducted on beekeepers and other beekeeping stakeholders e.g.
Government agencies, businesses and NGOs, in order to capture their perception and understanding
of the sector and its limitations.
This document summarizes historical data, in order to provide context, as well as the data collected
from the baseline survey.
2.4 Review of the historical data in the beekeeping sector

2.4.1 Main species of bees in the Caribbean
The main species of bees within the Caribbean is Apis mellifera (Western Honeybee), which has
interbred to create the following sub-species:
1. Apis mellifera mellifera (European Dark Bee);
2. Apis mellifera linguista (Italian Honeybee);
3. Apis mellifera sculleta (Africanized bees).
CABI (2021) (Figure 1-4) has published maps of the distribution of the different species of bees;
however, the maps are incomplete.
Historical anecdotal data from beekeepers across the Caribbean region state that Africanized bees are
found in some of the other islands e.g. St. Lucia but in smaller quantities, except for Trinidad where this
species predominates. European bees can be found from Grenada up to Puerto Rico. Interestingly,
Tobago has European bees but Trinidad does not. Most of the islands have endemic stingless bees.
The most common species of stingless bees are Trigona nigra, Melipona trinitatis and Melipona favosa.
This baseline survey will serve to collect recent anecdotal
data in order to corroborate the finds and identify any
differences in terms of diversity of bee species identified
today.
However, APINOV (2019) indicates that there are both

Western Honeybee Lines and African lines present in
Saint Lucia, alongside a combination of hybrids of these
Figure 1 Genetics of Honeybees in St. Lucia bees (Figure 1).
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Figure 2 Distribution of Apis mellifera scutellata (Africanized bees) in the Caribbean (CABI 2021).
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 2. Distribution of Apis mellifera scutellata (Africanized bees) in the
Caribbean (CABI 2021).
Figure 3 Distribution of Apis mellifera mellifera (European Honeybee) in the Caribbean (CABI 2021).
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Figure 4 Distribution of Apis mellifera linguista (Italian Honeybees) in the Caribbean (CABI 2021).
2.4.2 Lessons learnt from beekeeping initiatives across the Caribbean
Overall, there have been some important lessons learnt across the Caribbean, especially in St. Lucia,
pertaining to apiculture. These are as follows:
I. the effective demand for honey was much higher than the supply and therefore the challenge
remains to increase production;
II. increasing production would require a significant augmentation of bee forage, which suggested
the need for a substantive increase in agroforestry coverage;
III. that honey was the low hanging fruit and the high-end products like propolis and apitoxin (both
raw and refined) requires a more sophisticated level of operations;
IV. there was inadequate explicit policy linkages between apiculture and biodiversity conservation
across the Caribbean;
V. that most countries should not allow foreign ownership from the North of such a potentially
lucrative industry. This industry could produce strong backward and forward linkages and policy
makers should ensure that it is wholly or substantially owned locally; and
VI. that it was both an economic, a fraternal and a historical imperative to share the lessons learned
in Saint Lucia with other islands in the Global GEF SGP UNDP family.
2.5 Objectives
The main objective of this initiative is to collect baseline data which will be used to develop strategies to
establish an Apiculture Industry in Saint Lucia and identify and develop clear pathways towards the
development of the same in six Caribbean and one Pacific Country. This document will summarize the
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAPs) of regional beekeepers, with a view towards identifying the
gaps in the industry and recommending strategies for addressing these in the participating countries.
18
Methodology
19
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Actions Undertaken
In order to achieve the objectives of this project, the following was undertaken:
● review of historical data for the apiculture sector in all six (6) islands; and
● data collection from beekeepers and beekeeping organizations.
3.1.1 Review of the apiculture sector in all 6 islands
The Consultant attended the ACBO’s 10th Congress (2020) and collected the country papers relevant
to this project. A review of the country papers was completed for each country, which is included in the
different country sections of this report. Further literature review was conducted for online sources of
information which would support the country context for each island.
3.1.2 Data collection from beekeepers
An online beekeeping survey, containing 20 questions, was created to collect information on the
following:
i. Demographic data - these questions provided information on the age and experience of
the beekeepers.
ii. Apiaries & Forage - These questions assessed the understanding of the beekeepers of the
space and forage allocations for bees. It advises on the weaknesses in the knowledge of
the beekeepers.
iii. Apiculture knowledge and management - These questions gauged the knowledge of the
beekeeper of bee biology as well as their hive management practices. This also identified
the weaknesses in the knowledge of the beekeepers.
iv. Honey production and value-added products - These questions gauged the beekeeper’s
production levels and whether or not the beekeepers were developing or developed other
value-added products.
This survey also collected important data such as:

● types/species of bees on each island.
● types/species of flora which support bees on each island.
● legal and institutional framework which supports/limits beekeeping in each country.
● protected areas; and
● issues and concerns of local beekeepers.
The table of questions asked is included in Table 1.
Due to COVID-19, the Consultant could not travel and as such, the form was circulated to each country
via google forms. In each country, the beekeeping organizations were contacted to participate in the
survey. Surveys were also made available on social media.
20
Table 1. Questions in Regional Beekeeper Survey
Questions Category
1. I am from? Beekeeper Demographic
2. What is your age group? Beekeeper Demographic
3. What gender are you? Beekeeper Demographic
4. Which of the categories best describes your operation? Beekeeper Demographic
5. Are you a registered beekeeper? Beekeeper Demographic
6. I have been beekeeping for: Beekeeper Demographic
7. What are your Beekeeping information sources? Beekeeper Demographic
8. What environment is your apiary location? Apiaries & Forage
9. Are you located near other beekeepers? Apiaries & Forage
10. On what basis do you select a location for your bees? . Apiaries & Forage
12. Please name other plants and trees you have seen bees feed Apiaries & Forage
on?
13. What is the maximum distance you believe your bees travel for Apiaries & Forage
forage?
14. How do you identify the different casts of bees in the hive? Apiculture knowledge and management.
15. What type of bees are present in your country? . Apiculture knowledge and management.
16. How many colonies do you manage? Apiculture knowledge and management.
17. How often do you re-queen your colonies? Apiculture knowledge and management.
18. How often do you do hive inspections? Apiculture knowledge and management.
19. How do you determine that your bees have enough food? Apiculture knowledge and management.
20. Do you give your bees additional nutrition, such as sugar syrup Apiculture knowledge and management.
and pollen patties?
21. Which of the following can lead to colony losses, please select Apiculture knowledge and management.
all that applies.
22. Do you follow an integrated pest management plan? Apiculture knowledge and management.
23. What method do you use to establish possible levels of Varroa Apiculture knowledge and management.
Mite infestation in your hives?
24. How often do you treat your hives for Varroa Mite? Apiculture knowledge and management.
25. How often honey is typically harvested during the following Honey production and value-added products
periods? [January - April]
periods? [May - August]
periods? [September - December]
26. Typically how many gallons of honey per hive do you harvest. Honey production and value-added products
27. Other than honey, I also harvest / produce the following bee Honey production and value-added products
products?
28. From the following list, what are the three major challenges Honey production and value-added products
affecting you in the development of your beekeeping enterprise?
29. If you would like to receive email updates on this project, Honey production and value-added products
please enter your email address below.
21
3.1.3 Data collection from beekeeping organizations
An online survey was created for beekeeping organizational stakeholders, in Government and NGOs.
This survey collected important data on the following:
● legal and institutional framework which supports/limits beekeeping in each country; and
● protected areas
In terms of the country context, there was one response to this survey and as such, the data for this
was extracted from the country presentations at the recently held 10th ACBO Beekeeping Congress,
where most of the organization presented much of the data required by the survey.
3.1.4 Challenges and limitations of this survey
There were three main challenges with this project:

1. the global pandemic posed a serious limitation to the data collection process. due to covid-19 and
restrictions in the participating countries, the main mode of dissemination was virtual;
2. the intention was to deploy interviewers to collect the data in each of the participating islands;
however, this was not done because of the covid risks; and
3. also, many beekeepers were hesitant to share their contact information with an interviewer and
hence, it was decided to depend on someone within their fraternity to assist with the data
collection.
Stakeholders were contacted via email, social media, their beekeeping organizations and counterparts
and via the GEF SGP National Coordinators. Representatives from the various beekeeping
organizations as well as the GEF SGP representatives acted as coordinators for this data collection
exercise.
Respondents with higher levels of computer literacy were able to complete the online survey with
greater ease. However, those with limitations depended on the colleagues who coordinated responses
in their respect islands.
22
23
Summary for all countries
4.0 Summary results for the participating countries
4.1 Data collection

Overall, this survey was able to sample 193 beekeepers, representing 24% of the beekeepers from the
participating countries. On average, data was collected from 20% of the beekeepers in each island,
except for St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and Samoa, where more than 29% of the beekeepers
responded.
Table 2. Number and percentages of respondents per country.

Number of
Country Responses Percentage
Beekeepers
St. Kitts and Nevis 25 27 108%
Dominica 120 20 17%
St. Lucia 140 25 18%
St. Vincent and the Grenadines 92 12 13%
Grenada 40 21 53%
Trinidad and Tobago 300 57 19%
Samoa 41 12 29%
Antigua and Barbuda 50 19 29%
TOTAL 808 193 24%
Figure 5 Graphical representation of responses from participating countries
4.2 Collation of survey results for all the Caribbean islands

4.2.1 Demographic Information
Overall, beekeepers across the participating countries have a wide age distribution. The majority are
male, part-time registered beekeepers with only 1-5 years’ experience in beekeeping who get their
beekeeping information from the internet and other beekeepers.
24
Age range - years
Figure 6 Age distribution of all respondents
Figure 7 Gender distribution of respondents
Figure 8 Operational status of respondents
25
Figure 9 Registration status of respondents
Figure 10 years of experience of respondents
Figure 11 Major sources of information that respondents rely on most for beekeeping.
26
4.2.2 Apiaries and Forage
The majority of the interviewed beekeeper respondents indicated that their apiaries were located in
rural agricultural spaces, with few beekeepers within 3 kilometers. They also indicated that the deciding
factors for the location of their apiaries was access to land and the presence of forage for the bees. The
majority (73.6%) of the respondents indicated that bees only forage within two (2) km of their apiaries,
which is incorrect. Eckhert (1933) states that bees forage for a distance of two (2) miles or three (3)
kilometers. The answers provided by the beekeepers indicated a lack of understanding of bee biology
and behavior, which requires addressing via proper technical training.
Near a City or
Town.
16% Rural or forested
but not an
agricultural area
34%
Rural near
agricultural
fields (within 2
Km of fields)
50%
Figure 12 Location of respondent apiaries.
Figure 13 Proximity of apiaries to others.
27
Figure 14 Factors influencing location of apiaries.
Figure 15 Maximum distance a bee will travel to forage.
4.2.3 Apiculture knowledge and management
One hundred and forty-four (144), representing eighty-two percent (82%) of beekeepers stated
correctly that they identified casts of bees by their body size and shape, however, forty-five percent
(45%) also stated band colour, fourteen percent (14%) stated flying pattern and forty-seven (47%)
stated defensive nature, all of which were incorrect answers. This also provides evidence that their
understanding of basic bee biology needs to be improved.
The majority of the interviewed beekeepers stated that they manage 1-10 colonies, which they inspect
every 1-2 weeks. They identified diseases as an important cause of colony collapse however, they
admitted that they do not check for diseases.
Burlew (2021) and UF (2022) state that requeening of hives should occur annually to prevent
swarming. Most of the beekeeping respondents indicated that they either do not requeen, requeen
every 2-3 years or do not know about requeening at all. Only thirteen percent (13%) of the respondents
re-queened annually. This poor practice would also result in weak hive performance and production.
28
Figure 16 Identification of characteristics of different casts of bees.
Figure 17 Number of colonies managed by respondents.
Figure 18 Factors that cause colony loss.
29
Figure 19 Frequency of hive inspections.
Figure 20 Frequency of requeening of hives.
Figure 21 Percentage of respondents providing additional nutrition to their bees.
Artificially feeding bees, which is important during the months of low forage for bees, was identified as a
good practice by fifty-eight percent (58%) of the interviewed beekeepers; however, there is the need to
address the forty-two percent (42%) of the respondents that did not.
30
In terms of pest management, the majority of the respondents (84%) stated that they either used their
eyes to detect varroa mite (58%) or they inspected drone brood (26%), which is not an appropriate
technique for disease identification. By the time a beekeeper can visibly detect varroa mites in his
hives, the disease prevalence would be extremely high. Early detection is the key to proper disease
and production management. As a result, most respondents do not treat varroa mite and do not have
an integrated pest management plan. This is another set of poor practices that would result in poor hive
Figure 22 Methods used by respondents to identify varroa mite infections.
Figure 23 Percentage of beekeepers that follow an integrated pest management plan.
31
4.2.4 Honey production and value-added products
The majority of respondents indicated that they harvest 1-3 gallons of honey per hive at least once
every four months. They also stated that they harvest beeswax as another hive value-added product.
Funding, sourcing beekeeping supplies and technical support were the top three major challenges
affecting the development of their beekeeping.
Figure 24 Frequency of harvesting honey by quarter.

Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 24. Frequency of harvesting of honey by quarter
Figure 25 Number of gallons of honey harvested by respondents.
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 25. Typical number of gallons of honey harvested.
32
Figure 26 Products harvested and developed from hives
Figure 27 The major factors limiting the development of beekeeping enterprises.
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 26. Other products identified by respondents as being harvested or
produced from their hives.
33
4.3. Summary of results for all participating countries
Overall, beekeepers within this survey have a wide age distribution. The majority are male, part-time
registered beekeepers with only 1-5 years’ experience in beekeeping who get their beekeeping
information from the internet and other beekeepers.
The majority of the interviewed beekeeper respondents indicated that their apiaries were located in
rural agricultural spaces, with few beekeepers within three (3) km. They also indicated that the deciding
factors for the location of their apiaries was access to land and the presence of forage for the bees.
Finally, they indicated that they manage 1-10 colonies, which they inspect every 1-2 weeks.
Diseases were identified as an important cause of colony collapse however, they admitted that they do
not check for diseases. The majority of the respondents also indicated that they did not requeen their
hives regularly. Between sixty and seventy percent (60-70%) of the respondents also indicated that
they harvest 1-3 gallons of honey at least once every three months. They also stated that they harvest
beeswax as another hive value-added product. Funding, sourcing beekeeping supplies and technical
support were the top three major challenges affecting the development of their beekeeping.
Despite the many interventions in training, equipment and technical support in the participating
countries, the data from this survey suggests there is need to further strengthen hive management,
basic bee biology, integrated pest management and diversification of value-added products.
Additionally, it would be important to begin testing for diseases on the islands and implementing
treatments in order to support the sector locally.
There is also the need to engage more women and youth in beekeeping in order to introduce new
methodologies and techniques into the sector. Through this, it is hoped that the development and
expansion of beekeeping and its value-added products will also be realized.
34
4.4 Distribution of bees across the Caribbean and Samoa
The respondents of the survey were asked to identify the species of bees most commonly found on
their island. The following map shows the results of the data collected in terms of the distribution of
bees identified by regional beekeepers.
The European, Italian and Africanized bees were identified by beekeepers in most of the islands. Only
St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago reported stingless bees that produces honey. Of all the countries,
Trinidad and Tobago indicated the highest number of bee species, with Dominica reporting the least.
Interestingly, Samoa reported European and stingless bees. None of the beekeepers in the region
identified the Western Honeybee as being present in their country.
The following maps, despite being based on anecdotal information, add to the data provided by CABI
(2021) (Section 2.4.1). There is a clear need to conduct genetic tests on the bees of the different
islands to confirm this anecdotal data and to also establish whether the bees have created hybrids in
any of the Caribbean countries, as was noted in APINOV (2019) for St. Lucia.
Figure 28 Distribution of Apis mellifera sculleta (Africanized bees) according to survey results.
35
Figure 29 Distribution of Apis mellifera linguista (Italian Honeybees) according to survey results.
Figure 30 Distribution of Apis mellifera mellifera (European Dark bee) according to survey results.
36
4.5 Commonality of bee forage across the Caribbean and Samoa
Interestingly, the respondents from across the Caribbean and Samoa have similar trees identified as
forage for bees. The most common forage across all of the participating countries were mango
(Mangifera indica), Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), Avocado (Persea americana, Miller), Palm (Palma sp.)
and Cashew (Anacardium occidentale). The most common trees are listed below (Table 3). The
complete list is included in Annex 1.
Table 3. List of forage types by country (Scientific names available in Annex 1)

Forage Dominica SKN Grenada Samoa TT SLU AB SVG TOTAL
Mango 20 24 21 11 56 26 15 12 185
Coconut 20 24 19 12 56 25 17 11 184
Avocado 19 17 19 12 56 22 11 11 167
Palm 16 21 19 11 51 21 12 9 160
Cashew 11 19 16 5 48 21 6 5 131
Almond 15 14 13 3 38 16 11 6 116
Coffee 12 10 13 10 50 16 1 3 115
Glory Cedar 13 9 16 4 44 18 2 7 113
Hog Plum 6 10 14 3 54 12 2 7 108
Sea Grape 14 19 13 3 35 11 10 3 108
Red Cedar 10 9 11 4 49 12 4 5 104
Logwood 6 9 13 3 41 17 12 2 103
Immortelle 7 7 13 3 54 12 4 2 102
Poui 7 7 13 3 56 10 3 2 101
Acadia 9 12 14 4 39 10 11 1 100
Savonetta 10 7 13 3 44 14 1 1 93
Rubber 6 8 12 3 48 7 2 1 87
Poumuli 6 8 13 11 39 6 2 1 86
Mora 4 7 11 4 45 5 3 2 81
Toi 6 8 13 4 39 7 1 1 79
Guest Tree 6 8 13 3 38 7 1 1 77
Black Mangrove 5 7 13 3 34 8 5 1 76
Red Mangrove 5 6 13 3 35 9 4 1 76
White Mangrove 5 7 13 3 34 9 4 1 76
37
Antigua and Barbuda
38
(picture credit Brent Georges)
5.0 Antigua and Barbuda
5.1. Country context
In 1992, Antigua reported no bee diseases or Africanized Honeybees. The
country has three nectar flows in March, June and December and in 1992,
they reported that their colonies produced approximately 180lbs per year
across the three yields. However, this production was far below local demand
(ICCA 1992).
Wax production in the 1990s was bountiful, of which came a complete line of
cosmetics, herbal creams, and medicinals with honey and beeswax as the
base. The two main constraints recognized in 1992 were the absence of a
beekeeping organization and a shortage of equipment due to foreign
exchange issues (ICCA 1992).
Figure SEQ Figure \*
ARABIC 31. Map of Antigua
Georges (2020) states that there are three (3) main bee species in Antigua
Figure and Barbuda
31 Map of
and Barbuda: European, Italian and Bumble Bees. Prior to their introduction Antigua
(https://d-maps.com)
and Barbuda.
in 1987, it was speculated that Barbuda did not have bees. Georges (2020) (https://d-maps.com/)
reports that there are an estimated 460-480 managed colonies through the
beekeepers’ cooperative members, with another estimated 150 hives managed by non-members.
In his report, Georges (2020) stated that there have been multiple opportunities for training and
development which have increased the abilities of local beekeepers exponentially. He explained that
Antigua and Barbuda would pursue geographical indicator status for Barbuda logwood honey. He also
stated that there was renewed interest and increased traction in beekeeping because of COVID-19 for
the purposes of increasing honey production as well as pollination services to local farms.
Georges (2020) stated the Ministry of Agriculture now recognizes the Beekeepers Association as a
farming group within Antigua and Barbuda, which is an important achievement addressing the
challenge of representation identified since the 1990s.
Georges (2020) also identified a number of challenges to the local beekeeping industry as follows:
1. Uncontrolled clearing of lands which is diminishing forage;
2. There is no reserved/ designated area beekeeping. There needs to be more space
designated for this activity;
3. Lack of legislation. There are no statutes governing the destruction or handling of hives.
4. Hunting of feral colonies by persons in search of honey. These practices destroy hives that
normally provide genetic material in times of pest and disease.
5. Beekeepers lack interest in becoming members of the beekeepers’ cooperative. This
prevents training opportunities from reaching those in need.
6. Climate Change: the effect of hurricanes and other natural disasters. The prolonged drought
which usually occurs in Antigua and Barbuda has many adverse impacts.
39
5.2. Baseline survey of beekeepers
5.2.1 Demographic data
There is a wide distribution of ages in beekeepers surveyed. The majority were female, making Antigua
and Barbuda, the only country with a female majority in responses. The respondents were also majority
hobbyists who were not registered beekeepers and had between 1-5 years’ experience. They stated
that their local beekeeping association as well as other beekeepers were their major source of
beekeeping information
Figure 32 Demographic data for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers
40
5.2.2 Apiaries & Forage
All of the apiaries in Antigua and Barbuda are located in rural areas. Only thirty-eight percent (38%) of
the beekeepers stated that there were apiaries in close vicinity to theirs. Thirty-one percent of the
respondents stated that they selected their apiary locations based on access to land and presence of
known nectar and pollen producing plants. Only seventeen percent (17%) of respondents stated that
bees can forage 3km or more, indicating that there is a need to strengthen local beekeeper’s
understanding of bee biology and behaviour.
Figure 33 Apiaries and forage data for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers.
41
Only thirty-eight percent (38%) of the respondents correctly identified the appropriate ways of
identifying the cast of bees, which is by body size and shape. This is concerning since it indicates weak
foundational information on beekeeping, which is integral in terms of understanding how to properly
manage hives. The majority of the interviewed beekeepers stated that the major species of bees were
the European/German black bee followed by the Italian Honeybee. Most of the Antigua and Barbuda
beekeepers only tend to between 1 and 10 hives.
Figure 34 Apiculture knowledge and management for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers.
In terms of requeening, ninety-five percent (95%) of the interviewees indicated that they never re-
queened, did not know about requeening or requeened every 2-3 years. If local beekeepers hope to
increase their productivity, they will need to ensure that they requeen annually.
Only twenty-eight percent (28%) of interviewed beekeepers stated that they conducted hive inspections
every ten days or two weeks. The majority of the respondents (61%) stated that they determine that
bees have enough food by evaluating the food stored in the hive, which is correct. Only thirty-four
percent (34%) of the interviewed beekeepers also stated that they fed their bees which is a very low
percentage. The majority of beekeepers (67%) stated that they do not follow an Integrated Pest
42
Management Plan (IPMP), which is an important part of ensuring strong hives. Overall, the results
indicate that Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers would benefit from further training especially in terms of
re-queening, pest and diseases and IPMP.
Figure 35 Disease diagnosis and treatment information for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers.
The majority of the interviewed beekeepers (88%) were not aware or were using inappropriate methods
for assessing varroa mites, with only thirty-nine percent (39%) using proper techniques (total of review
of drone brood, alcohol wash and sugar rolls). The majority of the respondents also indicated that they
do not treat varroa mite. These findings indicate that there is a need for improved awareness and
knowledge in pests and diseases since these impact on hive health and productivity.
43
Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers identified the following as the major causes of colony loss, in order of
importance:
1. Chalkbrood (6%)
2. Wax moth (17%)
3. Inadequate nutrition throughout the year (15%)
4. Exposure to pesticides and other agro-chemicals (17%)
5. Varroa mites (16%)
6. Bad weather (11%)
7. Theft (12%)
8. Tracheal mites (6%)
5.2.4. Honey production and value-added products
Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers indicated that they harvest honey once between January and April
and September to December. However, the majority indicated that they can harvest as much as 2-3
times during the period May to August. This aligns with information provided by IICA (1992).
The majority however stated that despite these flows, they harvest less than one gallon per hive.
Beeswax, propolis and pollen were identified as important hive products, and thirty-eight (38%) of
respondents indicated that they made skin and hair products.
Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers identified the top three challenges faced as funding, access to
beekeeping equipment and sourcing bees. These sadly are also similar to the findings of IICA (1992),
indicating that much still needs to be done to address these challenges.
Figure 36 Honey production and value-added products information for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers.
44
5.3 Bee Forage in Antigua and Barbuda
The top five forage species identified by Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers was mango (Mangifera
indica), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), Mora (Mora sp.), sea grape (Coccioloba uvifera. Jacq.),
mangroves (Avicennia germinans L. & Rhizomona mangle L.) and hog plum (Spondias mombin). In
order to facilitate an expansion of beekeeping, concerted efforts must be put into planting more forage
species to ensure the survivorship of more bee colonies.
Figure 37 Bee forage in Antigua and Barbuda
5.4 Antigua and Barbuda Summary
IICA (1992) stated that there is great potential for apiculture and Api-Agro-Forestry in Antigua and
Barbuda and this remains true today. There have been some important developments in the industry
over the past thirty (30) years, however, a lot more needs to be done to strengthen beekeepers if
Antigua and Barbuda is to realize greater honey and hive product production.
Of great interest is that the majority of the respondents were women, which differed significantly from
the other islands which were male-dominated. Whereas many of the responses reflected a good
foundation in beekeeping, there is a need to strengthen local beekeepers in terms of their
understanding of the importance of additional nutrition as well as disease management. During a visit to
Antigua in November 2021, varroa mite was found on the island of Antigua so there is a need to train
local beekeepers in pest and disease diagnosis and treatment.
45
Dominica
46
6.0 Dominica
6.1. Country context
The Commonwealth of Dominica is the most northerly of the Windward
Islands and at the midpoint of the Lesser Antillean chain. It lies between the
French Departments of Guadeloupe (c.28 km to the north) and Martinique
(c.40 km to the south). Dominica has an area of 751 square km (289 square
miles) or approximately 75,000 hectares. The biodiversity of Dominica is rich
with much of the island being recognized as mountainous.
Detailed catalogued information is not readily available on honey flows in

Dominica however, according to IICA (1992), December to late July is the
period of greatest harvest of honey.
Figure 38 Map of
Heavy and prolonged rainfall have been known to wash out a good nectar Antigua Figure SEQ Figure \*
ARABIC
and38.Barbuda.
Map of
flow. The nectar flow in December is generally small and stimulates the hive (https://d-maps.com/)
Dominica
to build up the bee worker population for the coming season. (https://d-maps.com)
In terms of apiculture, GEF SGP UNDP Dominica has supported apiculture projects on the island since
the 2000s. With their intervention, and the development of important local partnerships, the following is
being pursued via these funding opportunities:
I. increased number of persons engaged in beekeeping including increases in women (5 to 40)
and youth practitioners (6 to 30);
II. training in construction of material/tools equipment for beekeeping and over 200 hive boxes and
nucs constructed;
III. development of a training manual by an experienced woman beekeeper;
IV. delivery of beekeeping course by the Dominic State College (DSC) using the training manual
and other material;
V. 25 people trained at the DSC;
VI. establishment of 3 demonstration plots for establishment of apiaries for 60 hives; and
VII. establishment of a national apiary in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
The hurricane experienced in Dominica in 2017 had very negative effects on the beekeeping industry,
causing 100% damage to the forest, resulting in very limited forage being available for bees in
Dominica. Prior to the hurricane Dominica had approximately five hundred (500) hives, however fifty
percent (50%) of them were lost due to absconding bees and toppling of the hives. Beekeepers and
extension officers stated that the bees were very resilient to the storm, and when new flowers sprouted,
they were able to collect nectar. As of 2018, Dominica has approximately 40 active beekeepers, 26 of
whom belong to the beekeeper’s cooperative. Ministry officials stated prior to the 2017 storm,
beekeepers were able to harvest about 6 – 11 gallons of honey per hive. Future interventions would
focus on the implementation of a Queen rearing programme which will advance the island from 300 –
1000 hives (Espirit 2020).
47
6.2. Baseline survey of beekeepers
There is wide distribution in ages of beekeepers in Dominica, indicating that there are initiatives in place
to ensure succession. Most of the beekeepers however are male, part-time beekeepers. Only 10% of
the population of respondents in Dominica were commercial/full-time beekeepers, however, the positive
numbers of younger beekeepers indicates that the Dominica beekeeping sector is developing, with
strong potential for increasing commercial production. Most of the respondents are registered with 1-5
years’ experience indicating that the current initiative to strengthen the local sector has been recent.
They also indicated that they get their beekeeping information from the internet (33%) and other
beekeepers (31%). There is good exchange amongst local beekeepers and most have access to the
internet, which is a plus for furthering online training.
Figure 39 Demographic data for Dominican beekeepers.
48
Most of the apiaries in Dominica are located in rural areas which are within 2km from agricultural fields.
They are also usually located within 3 km of other apiaries.
Figure 40 Apiaries and forage data for Dominican beekeepers
Most of the Dominican beekeepers choose their location based on access to land (42%) and the
presence of known nectar and pollen producing plants (31%). Interviewees believe that bees will forage
at a maximum distance of 1km in order to forage; the correct answer is 3km, indicating that there is still
a gap in the understanding of bee biology amongst beekeepers.
Less than half the respondents correctly identified the appropriate ways of identifying the cast of bees,
which is by body size and shape. This is concerning since it indicates weak foundational information on
beekeeping, which is integral in terms of understanding how to properly manage hives. The majority of
the interviewed beekeepers stated that the major species of bees were the European/German black
bee followed by the Italian Honeybee. Most of the Dominican beekeepers only tend to between 1 and
10 hives, supporting the information provided earlier that they were mostly small-scale, part-time
beekeepers.
49
Figure 41 Apiculture knowledge and management for Dominican beekeepers.
In terms of requeening, over 60% of the interviewees indicated that they never re-queened or did not
know about requeening. Requeening is very important in managing the productivity of hives and this
skill must be developed in beekeepers if Dominica is to seek a development of its industry.
Seventy-five percent (75%) of interviewed beekeepers stated that they conducted hive inspections
every week or two weeks. The majority of the respondents stated that they determine that bees have
enough food by conducting visual inspections and evaluating the food stored in the hive (73%), which is
correct. Seventy-four percent (74%) of the interviewed beekeepers also stated that they fed their bees,
which is a good practice in times of scarcity. However, the majority of beekeepers (89%) stated that
they do not follow an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP), which is an important part of ensuring
strong hives. Overall, the results indicate that Dominican beekeepers have good hive management
practices however, there is still a need for enhancement through further training especially in terms of
re-queening, pest and diseases and IPMP.
Dominican beekeepers identified the following as the major causes of colony loss, in order of
importance:
1. Wax moth (23%)
2. Inadequate nutrition throughout the year (19%)
3. Exposure to pesticides and other agro-chemicals (18%)
4. Varroa mites (16%)
50
5. Bad weather (14%)
6. Theft (9%)
7. Tracheal mites (1%)
Figure 42 Disease diagnosis and treatment information for Dominican beekeepers.
The majority of the interviewed beekeepers were not aware or were using inappropriate methods for
assessing varroa mites, with only 44% using proper techniques (total of review of drone brood, alcohol
wash and sugar rolls). The majority of the respondents also indicated that they do not treat varroa mite.
These findings indicate that there is a need for improved awareness and knowledge in pests and
diseases since these impact on hive health and productivity.
51
6.2.4. Honey production and value-added products
Dominican beekeepers have indicated that they harvest honey once between January and April and
September to December. However, the majority indicated that they can harvest as much as two to
three (2-3) times during the period May to August. This aligns with information provided by IICA (1992).
They also state that they collect between one to six (1-6) gallons per hive. Forty-two percent (42%) of
the respondents indicated that they also harvest beeswax, indicating that there is potential to expand
beekeeping to include other value-added products. Dominican beekeepers identified the top three
challenges faced as funding, access to beekeeping equipment and technical support.
Figure 43 Honey production and value-added products information for Dominican beekeepers.
52
6.3 Bee Forage in Dominica
The top five forage identified by Dominican beekeepers was mango (Mangifera indica), avocado
(Persea americana, Miller), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), palm (Palma sp.) and almond (Terminalia
catappa). Hence, in order to facilitate an expansion of beekeeping, concerted efforts must be put into
planting more forage to ensure the survivorship of more bee colonies.
Figure 44 Bee Forage in Dominica
6.4 Dominica Summary
Dominica has historically had a number of initiatives in beekeeping and as a result, now has 120
beekeepers, over 200 hives, a completed training manual, a beekeeping course offered by the Dominic
State College, 3 demonstration plots and a national apiary. These initiatives are in line with strategies
identified by IICA (1992) and BFD (2011) to improve the beekeeping sector in Dominica.
Despite these significant advances in training, apiary management and queen rearing in Dominica, the
data from this survey suggests there is need to strengthen hive management, basic bee biology,
integrated pest management and diversification of value-added products.
Despite all the training provided, the majority of beekeepers in Dominica are still male, part-time with
small apiaries. In order to support the industry and the development of women on the island, it is
recommended that more women be encouraged to join the trade. Through this, it is hoped that the
Figure SEQ Figure
development \* ARABICof44.
and expansion Most common
value-added foragewill
products in Dominica
also be realized.
53
54
Grenada
7.0 Grenada
7.1 Country context
The tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique,
commonly called the Isle of Spice, is the southernmost of the Windward
Islands; its population is estimated at 112,523 inhabitants (Wikipedia
2022). Grenada is 34km (21 miles) long and 19km (12 miles) wide, with
a total area estimated at 34,170 ha (84,400 ac). Grenada has a varying
topography of mountains, valleys and streams. The island is especially
mountainous towards the center, where the highest peak, Mt. St.
Catherine, rises to 838m (2,752 feet).
Grenada experiences two seasons, wet and dry. The wet or rainy
season generally extends from June to December. The dry season is
from mid-December to May. The main export crops are nutmeg Figure 45 Map of Grenada.
(Myristica fragrans) and mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt.), cocoa (https://d-maps.com/)
(Theobroma cacoa L.) and bananas (Musa acuminata Colla.), and a profusion of non-traditional fruits
and vegetables. (IICA 1992)
The honey industry in Grenada originally started in 1688 by a beekeeper who imported the German
bee. Beekeepers continued to import queen bees which has resulted in very productive hybrids.
Grenada has won top prizes at the Annual London Honey Show which gave rise to an increased
demand locally and internationally for Grenadian honey. Most beekeepers rear bees as a hobby
however, as the industry developed with the establishment of the Grenada Bee Association in 1988,
beekeepers got more involved in the production of honey on a commercial basis. Honey is the main
product with few producers involved in the production of beeswax and propolis. In 2021, Grenada was
the only country with excess honey to sell to its regional counterparts.
The bee industry in Grenada is currently being affected by deforestation, the indiscriminate use of
pesticide and pest and diseases, such as the wax moth and varroa mite. Despite these challenges the
industry continues to grow as beekeepers work towards the production of additional products from bees
as well as queen rearing.
The island of Grenada has two main honey flows per year. The first and heavy flow is from February to
May and the second and light flow is from August to November. A wide variety of bee forage plants
characterizes the flora in Grenada providing pollen and nectar on a year-round basis. The onset of the
beekeeping year is determined by the seasonal arrival of blooms of Glory Cedar (Glyricidia sepium)
between late December and March; this is complemented by important nectar flows from citrus (Citrus
spp.), avocado (Persea americana, Miller), logwood (Haematoxylon campechianum), French cashew
(Anacardium occidentale), genip/skin-up (Melicocca bijuga L.), mango (Mangifera indica), silk cotton
(Bombax pentandrum) and other species and constitutes the main honey flow period occurring between
February and May. A second, lesser honey flow occurs during the minor dry spell in late August to
October (IICA 1992, Wannarka 2016).
55
7.2 Baseline survey of beekeepers
The majority of beekeepers in Grenada are over 40 (57%), however, there is a healthy number of
younger beekeepers being encouraged to join the industry. Like most of the Caribbean islands, the
majority of the beekeepers are male, however, there is a strong percentage of female beekeepers on
the island.
Figure 46 Demographic information for Grenadian beekeepers.
The majority of the respondents are part-time beekeepers, with a small percentage (21%) being
commercial beekeepers. The majority are registered beekeepers with between 1-10 years’ experience.
The top three sources of beekeeping information identified by participants were other beekeepers,
internet and books.
56
Most Grenadian beekeepers stated that their apiaries were located in rural forested or agricultural
spaces and that they functioned within 3km of other apiaries.
Figure 47 Apiaries and forage information for Grenadian beekeepers.
Overall, the majority of the interviewed beekeepers (87%) identified that the top three criteria for
locating an apiary was access to land (27%), presence of nectar and pollen producing plants (36%) and
shaded and sheltered environment (24%). More than half of the interviewees (55%) stated that bees
can forage as far as 3km, with twenty-five percent (25%) stating 2 km.
The majority of Grenadian beekeepers (68%) stated that they identify the different cast of bees using
body size and shape (47%) and band colour (21%). They stated that the predominant species of bees
was the European/German Black Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) with a small number of Africanized bees
(Apis scutellata) and Italian bees (Apis mellifera linguistica).
Fifty-seven percent (57%) of the respondents managed between 1-10 hives with small percentages
(14%) having 11-25 and 51-100 hives. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of respondents also indicated that
they requeen their hives, either once a year (19%) or every 2-3 years (38%). Interestingly, forty-three
percent (43%) did not understand requeening or did not do it.
57
Figure 48 Apiculture knowledge and management information for Grenadian beekeepers.
Fifty-five percent (55%) of respondents indicated that they inspected their hives every 1-2 weeks
(combination of weekly, every 10 days and 2 weeks). The majority of the interviewees (71%) indicated
that they did not feed their bees additional nutrition. Inadequate nutrition was identified as a cause of
colony loss by 14% of the interviewees. Other causes of colony loss identified were:
- Theft (12%)
- Varroa mite (15%)
- Tracheal mite (7%)
- Bad weather (15%)
- Exposure to pesticides and other agrochemicals (11%)
- Chalkbrood (5%)
- Wax moth (21%)
The majority of the beekeepers (78%) also indicated that they did not follow an integrated pest
management plan. Almost sixty percent (60%) of the respondents stated that they “eyeballed it” in
terms of testing for varroa mites. Similarly, sixty percent (60%) stated that they did not treat varroa
mites in their hives. Conversely, approximately forty percent of the respondents used appropriate
testing techniques for varroa mites (alcohol wash, review of drone brood and sugar roll) and they
indicated that they treat this disease once a year. The latter are better management practices with
respect to this disease.
58
Figure 49 Disease diagnosis and treatment information for Grenadian beekeepers.
According to survey results, the majority of the Grenadian beekeepers harvest their honey between 2-3
times between January - April, and once between May - August and September - December. This is
similar to the findings of IICA (1992). The majority harvest approximately 1-3 gallons per hive (58%)
with approximately twenty percent (20%) of the beekeepers harvesting over this. Sixty-six percent
(66%) of the beekeepers stated that they also harvest beeswax and pollen from their hives. Grenadian
beekeepers identified funding, sourcing queens and technical support as equally important, top three
challenges in terms of the development of their beekeeping enterprises.
59
Figure 50 Honey production and value-added product information for Grenadian beekeepers.
7.3 Bee Forage in Grenada

The top five forage identified by Grenadian beekeepers were mango (Mangifera indica), avocado
(Persea americana, Miller), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), palm (Palma sp.) and cashew (Anacardium
occidentale). Any effort to expand beekeeping in Grenada must include planting of more forage,
preferably those identified by the beekeepers as suitable forage.
Figure 51 Bee Forage Figure

in Grenada.
SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 51. Bee forage in Grenada
60
7.4 Grenada Summary
The Grenada Association of Beekeepers (GAB) was established in 1998 and was very active up to
2011. The GAB collaborated well in the past with St George's University and the Government to
organize and manage the 6th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress which took place in May 2011. This
achievement is testament to the interest in beekeeping on the island.
Grenada’s most notable Apiculturist is Dr Velma Jessamy, three-time winner of the Hender Cup at the
London Honey Show, is the developer of Photomed Honey developed alongside researchers from
Harvard University.
Grenada has compiled literature on the main bee forage and their flowerings. This has served to
support them well since during 2021, they had excess honey to sell on the regional market. However,
despite these significant achievements, the data from this survey suggests there is still a need to
strengthen hive management, basic bee biology, integrated pest management and diversification of
value-added products. These will go a long way in further developing their local industry.
treatments in order to support the sector locally. Despite all the training provided, the majority of
beekeepers in Grenada are still male, part-time with small apiaries. In order to support the industry and
the development of women on the island, it is recommended that more women be encouraged to join
the trade. Through this, it is hoped that the development and expansion of value-added products will
also be realized.
61
St. Kitts and Nevis
62
8.0 St. Kitts and Nevis
8.1 Country context

Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis,
and also referred to as Saint Christopher and Nevis, is a twin
island state located in the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean
Sea.. The total size of both islands are approximately 259 sq. km.
(100 square miles). St. Christopher, also known as St. Kitts, the
bigger of the two islands is 168 sq. km. (65 square miles), and
has a population of approximately 34,700 people.
The history of beekeeping on St. Kitts & Nevis goes back as far as
the 18th Century. In fact, the earliest ‘reference’ of bees on Nevis
was Reverend William D. Smith in his booklet “A Natural History Figure 52 Map of Saint Kitts and
of Nevis” which dates back to 1716. The booklets were quite clear Nevis. (https://d-maps.com/)
that honeybees are not indigenous to Nevis, but were imported by Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 52.
early European settlers in the 18th century. There is little record asMap of St.
to how Kitts
bees and kept
were Nevisthroughout
(https://d-
maps.com)
the 17th 18th. and 19th centuries. Early in the 1960s an apiarist popularly known as ‘Honey Myers’ kept
several colonies in hives and even imported queens from the A.I. Root Company in the USA.
(Guishard-Pine 2020)
St. Kitts enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F); three
hundred and sixty-five days of sparkling sunshine with no winter. There is a peak period of rainfall from
September to January, while the other months are generally dry with intermittent showers. The annual
rainfall averages 1,375 mm (55 inches). The hurricane season is from June to November, and in recent
years these storms have been more frequent and severe (IICA 1992).
Bees on Nevis derive their nectar and pollen from various sources. No analysis has ever been done to
identify the pollen contained in honey to determine the source of the nectar. The best-known source is
the Mexican creeper (Antigonan sp.), locally known as ‘bee bush’ as bees are continually visiting it.
Other known sources are genip (Melicocca bijuga L.), logwood (Haematoxylon campechianum), sea
grape (Coccioloba uvifera. Jacq.), mangroves (Avicennia germinans L. & Rhizomona mangle L.),
coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), citrus (Citrus spp.), avocado (Persea americana), banana (Musa
acuminata), palms (Palma sp.), mango (Mangifera indica L.) as well as many other flowering plants in
the wild (IICA 1992).
Current production levels are low on the island, since local beekeepers have not been able to provide a
consistent source of honey for the local market. However, this provides a prime opportunity for
development of the sector.
63
Beekeepers from St. Kitts and Nevis have a wide age distribution with the majority being between 35-
45 years old. Like most of the other Caribbean countries, the majority are male, part-time or hobbyist
beekeepers. Almost half of the beekeepers are registered. Interestingly, despite the age distribution,
the majority of respondents only have 1-5 years of beekeeping experience who get most of the
beekeeping information from the internet, other beekeepers and local beekeeping organizations.
Figure 53 Demographic data for beekeepers from St. Kitts and Nevis.
64
Seventy-five percent (75%) of interviewed beekeepers indicated that their apiaries were located in rural
spaces and fifty-eight percent (58%) indicated that there were no other apiaries in close vicinity. The
majority (66%) of the respondents indicated that they select their apiary locations based on accessibility
to lands and the presence of nectar producing trees. Only nine percent (9%) of respondents correctly
stated that bees can forage up to 3km, indicating that they need strengthening in terms of basic bee
biology.
Figure 54 Apiary and Forage information for beekeepers from St. Kitts and Nevis.
65
The majority of the respondents stated that they identified the different castes of bees by their body size
and shape and band color. In St. Kitts and Nevis, beekeepers stated that their main bee species was
the European/German Black bee, however they did indicate that they also had Africanized and Italian
Honeybees. They did not indicate any stingless bees were present on these islands. The majority of the
interviewees (79%) also stated that they managed between 1-10 hives whilst ninety-two percent (92%)
indicated that they did not requeen their hives.
Figure 55 Apiculture knowledge and management for St. Kitts and Nevis.
Forty-seven percent (47%) of the interviewees stated that they conducted hive inspections between 7-
14 days, whilst forty-one (41%) stated they inspected once per month. When asked how they
determined if their bees had enough food, almost half of the interviewed beekeepers (48%) stated that
they inspected the nectar and pollen stores. Of concern was the twenty-eight percent (28%) of
beekeepers who stated that they did not know how to conduct an inspection.
The beekeepers identified the following as contributing to colony loss in St. Kitts and Nevis:
- Theft - 11%
- Bad weather - 13%
- Varroa Mite - 24%
- Exposure to pesticides and other agrochemicals - 14%
- Inadequate nutrition throughout the year - 11%
- Wax moth - 20%
- Tracheal mites - 7%
66
The majority of beekeepers (64%) indicated that they did not feed their bees additional nutrition. In
terms of diagnosing varroa mite, the majority of beekeepers (68%) stated that they would visually
inspect for the disease, which is not the most appropriate method for diagnosis. Over eighty percent of
respondents stated that they did not treat for varroa mite and did not follow an integrated pest
management plan.
Figure 56 . Disease diagnosis and treatment information for beekeepers from St. Kitts and Nevis.
67
Beekeepers from St. Kitts and Nevis indicated that they harvested honey once per quarter, and that
they generally collect 1-3 gallons per hive during this harvest. A little of one-third (36%) of the
beekeepers harvested beeswax whilst only twenty-two percent (22%) harvested propolis. Funding,
sourcing beekeeping supplies and queens were the three top challenges identified by the interviewees.
Figure 57 Honey production and value-added product information for St. Kitts and Nevis.
68
8.3 Bee Forage in St. Kitts and Nevis
If beekeeping is to be expanded on the island, then the apiaries should be located close to areas rich
with trees, and tree plantings should be done to install more of these in order to support the bees.
Mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana, Miller), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), palm
(Palma sp.) and sea grapes (Coccoloba uvifera) were the most common forage identified by local
beekeepers.
Figure 58 Bee forage in St. Kitts and Nevis
8.4 St. Kitts and Nevis Summary

Apiculture in St. Kitts & Nevis dates back to the 17th century, and has performed well as a secondary
source of income for apiculturists on the island. A testament to beekeeping in the Federation, the 2nd
ACBO Caribbean Beekeepers Congress was hosted in Nevis in the year 2000.
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 58. Bee forage in St. Kitts and Nevis
Despite these milestones, the island is still not able to produce enough honey to support the local
market. Data from this survey suggests there is a need to strengthen hive management, basic bee
biology, integrated pest management and diversification of value-added products. Capacity
development in these areas could result in improved hive management and productivity within the
islands. Most beekeepers in St. Kitts and Nevis are still male, part-time with small apiaries.
In order to support the industry and the development of women on the island, it is recommended that
more women be encouraged to join the trade. Through this, it is hoped that the development and
expansion of value-added products will also be realized.
69
St. Lucia
70
9.0 St. Lucia
9.1 Country context

In 1902, British Colonists elevated beekeeping to commercial status in line
with production output and pollination support to lime crops (ICAWI 1918).
ICTA 1926 stated that honey was listed as the premier export, due to high
prices in the UK domestic market, and a production of 36,320 kg was
recorded for that year. According to ICAWI (1918; 1939; 1942), 1926 was the
best production year, with exports to the UK peaking at 80,846 kg, and 1941
was the second-best year of exports with 48,937 kg. being exported. More
recent Ministry of Agriculture estimates for 2019 were 68,093 kg, which is
much less than the 1926 value (Melville-Edwin and Denis 2020).
According to IICA (1992), the major issues with beekeeping in the 1990s was
bee stock and access to pasture. Importation of bees was allowed in the
Figure 59 Map of St. Lucia
1990s however, the process was onerous since the queens had to be free (https://d-maps.com/)
Figure SEQ Figure \*
from diseases and certified not Africanized. In order to address the issue of ARABIC 59. Map of St.
pasture, the Forestry Department was noted as “making an effort to have nectar Lucia (https://d-
producing nursery
maps.com)
stock available for the bee farmers to plant on hillsides”. At that time, St. Lucia reported being free from
all diseases and it was their intent back then to export queens. There were approximately 170
beekeepers in 1998 with an average productivity of 8 gallons per hive, which supplied the local markets
and also a vibrant export market to Martinique. According to APINOV (2019), the bee population of St.
Lucia now has 2 main origins: 47% are from Western Europe (line M, especially the subspecies Apis
mellifera), 24% of the bees are from Africa (line A, especially the subspecies Apis scutellata) (Figure 1).
In 2003, van Engelsdorp (2003) recognized the presence of varroa mite on the island and its
devastating impacts. He stated that the best mite control method is the development and
implementation of a mite-resistant bee stock through domestic queen rearing. He also recommended
that bee breeding would decrease the likelihood of importation of Africanized bees or other bee
diseases because the availability of quality queens will decrease the temptation to import queens from
other countries (as is the suspected mode of entry of Varroa mites in 1998). Saint Lucia experienced
great losses due to the Varroa mite, which reduced productivity to 50% and loss of foreign markets.
Also, according to van Engelsdorp (2003), apiculture has a tremendous potential in St Lucia because it
is blessed with a diverse geography, flora, and consistent and predictable rainy season, However, he
stated that St. Lucia is presently nowhere near reaching its honey production capacity. The main issue
with local beekeepers is the lack of access to proper markets. St. Lucia needs to export its honey;
however, the cost of honey externally is much less than what the local market pays. He also adds that If
international markets are to be grown or nurtured, separation of the honey from different sources
should be prioritized as lighter honeys command a better price than dark honeys (US$1.36/lb for water
white grade vs. US$1.18/lb amber grade (2002 average price)).
71
There is a wide distribution of ages amongst St. Lucia beekeeper respondents, however the majority
are male, part-time or hobbyist beekeepers. Almost half of the beekeepers (44%) are registered.
Seventy-two percent (72%) of respondents have only 1-5 years’ experience whilst seventy-four percent
(74%) stated that they got their beekeeping information from other beekeepers, local beekeeping
organizations and the internet.
Figure 60 Demographic information for St. Lucian beekeepers.
72
More than 75% of the interviewed St. Lucian beekeepers stated that their apiaries were located in rural
areas whilst three-quarters (75%) stated that their apiaries were within a few kilometers from other
beekeepers. The two top criteria for selecting the location of an apiary were access to lands (37%) and
the presence of known nectar and pollen producing plants (31%). Less than half of the beekeepers
(42%) stated that bees can fly as far as 3km to find forage, indicating that there is a need for
strengthening knowledge on bee biology in local beekeepers.
Figure 61 Apiary and forage information for St. Lucian beekeepers.
73
Only 36% of respondents correctly stated that body size and shape are the distinguishing factors
amongst bee casts. Forty-four percent (44%) of the interviewees, representing the majority, stated that
St. Lucia had European bees, whilst twenty-seven percent (27%) identified Africanized and Italian bees
on the island respectively.
Figure 62 Apiculture knowledge and management information from St. Lucian beekeepers.
Sixty-two percent (62%) of the beekeepers stated that they managed small apiaries, with between 1-10
hives. Only a small number of beekeepers (13%) stated they managed more than 50 hives. When
asked how often they requeen their colonies, only sixteen percent (16%) of the respondents stated the
correct answer of once per year. The largest answer was every 2-3 years, which is too long. These
answers provide further evidence that there is a need for strengthening the understanding of bee
biology amongst local beekeepers.
The respondents identified the following as the main causes of colony loss:
- Theft (10%)
- Varroa mite (18%)
- Bad weather (9%)
- Tracheal mites (7%)
- Wax moth (19%)
- Chalkbrood (10%)
74
- Inadequate nutrition throughout the year (13%)
- Exposure to pesticides and other agrochemicals (14%).
Sixty-three percent (63%) of beekeepers stated that they conducted hive inspections within fourteen
days. Fifty-six percent (56%) of interviewed beekeepers correctly stated that they would visibly inspect
food stores in order to evaluate whether their bees had enough food. Sixty-four percent (64%) of local
beekeepers stated that they did not provide their bees with additional nutrition. Just over half the
interviewed beekeepers (56%) correctly identified how to establish whether or not bees have enough
food, which is via visual inspection (17%) and by examining the stores in the hives (39%).
Sixty-four percent (64%) of the beekeepers stated that they did not treat for varroa mite whilst seventy-
one percent (71%) stated that use inappropriate methods to identify varroa mites in their hives (eyeball
it (54%), don’t know (4%) and don’t do anything (13%)). Sixty percent (60%) stated that they do not
follow an integrated pest management plan.
Figure 63 Disease prevalence and treatment for St. Lucian beekeepers.
75
Interestingly, the majority of interviewed St. Lucian beekeepers indicated that they harvest honey once
every four months. They stated that they typically get 1-3 gallons of honey per hive. Thirty-two percent
of the interviewees (32%) indicated that they pollen and propolis, while forty-eight percent (48%)
harvested beeswax. Twenty-six percent (26%) stated that they make skin and hair products. When
asked what were the major challenges in the development of their beekeeping enterprises, they
indicated that funding was the major problem (30%), followed by technical support (19%) and finally
suitable apiary locations (15%). A small percentage (12%) indicated that sourcing bees (queens) as
well as beekeeping supplies was also a major limitation.
Figure 64 Honey production and value-added products for St. Lucian beekeepers.
76
9.3 Bee Forage in St. Lucia
The top five forage identified in St. Lucia were mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana,
Miller), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), cashew (Anacardium occidentale) and palm (Palma sp.). In order
to support expansion of the industry on the island, more of this forage should be planted.
Figure 65
SEQ Figure
Bee \* ARABIC
Forage 65. Bee forage for St. Lucian beekeepers
in St. Lucia
9.4 St. Lucia Summary

As articulated by the Veterinary Department (CBC10, Saint Lucia 2020) apiculture in Saint Lucia dates
back to the 18th century. Despite apiculture being practiced on the island for almost 400 years the
majority of apiculturists are male part time hobbyists, of which the majority have not managed to
transition beyond the fundamentals. This was clearly apparent in their responses to general knowledge
on basic honeybee biology and integrated pest management.
The majority of interviewed St. Lucian beekeepers indicated that they harvest honey once a year. They
stated that they typically get 1-3 gallons of honey per hive. Thirty-two percent of the interviewees (32%)
indicated that they harvest honey as well as beeswax, which are usually sold in situ or converted into
skin products. When asked what were the major challenges in the development of their beekeeping
enterprises, they indicated that funding was the major problem (30%), followed by technical support
(19%) and finally suitable apiary locations (15%). A small percentage (12%) indicated that sourcing
bees (queens) as well as beekeeping supplies was also a major limitation.
This data clearly indicates that despite a number of interventions over the years, the establishment of a
central honey processing facility, the launching of apiculture tours, queen rearing and instrumental
insemination facilities on island the majority of the sector lags behind.
77
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
78
10.0 St. Vincent and the Grenadines
10.1 Country context
Honeybees are not native to St. Vincent and the Grenadines

(SVG) and were brought to the island in the late 1950’s by an
English missionary who also taught beekeeping skills to the
Vincentians in Kingstown and surrounding areas. It wasn’t until
the mid-1980’s that Afro-Vincentians adopted beekeeping as a
livelihood. Between 1991 and 2000 beekeeping extended to the
wider population as a niche small farming sector of agriculture.
Prior to the 2021 volcanic eruption, the island had 702 hives, 49
apiaries and 140 beekeepers producing an average of 4,543L of
honey annually. The number of domesticated hives has now
drastically been reduced up to 21%.
There are two main honey flow periods per year. The first period
is during the months of February – May and the second period is
between July – September. However, the honey flow period Figure 66 Map of St. Vincent and the
differs in the Grenadines – a chain of very small islands that Grenadines. (https://d-maps.com/)
experiences much dryer conditions. These islands mainly have one honey flow that spans over a longer
period which is between June – March. If there are no extreme drought conditions in the Grenadines,
the honey flow can last for the entire year.
During the honey flow periods, nectar and pollen are collected from the following trees: Mango
(Mangifera indica), Citrus (Citrus sp.), Avocado (Persea americana, Miller), Golden Apple (Spondias
dulcis), Ackee (Blighia sapida), Java Plum (Syzygium cumini), Angeline (Andira inermis), Tamarind
(Tamarindus indica), Green Heart (Chlorocardium rodiei), Fiddle Wood (Citharexylum spinosum),Glory
Cedar (Gliricidia sepium), Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans), Coconut (Cocos nucifera)and other
palms (Arecaceae sp. (IICA 1992).
The main species of bees are of the European strain from Italy and Spain. With the implementation of
important projects from 2006 to 2015, the beekeeping industry in SVG underwent revitalization,
beginning with the formation of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Beekeeping Association
(SVGBA) in April 2006. The SVGBA received funding from the Ministry of Agriculture through STABEX
funding. This enabled the importation of hives from St. Lucia, bee equipment starter kits from USA, and
in 2007, Italian hybrid Queens from Hawaii. Honey was returned to local supermarket shelves in 2008,
and SVGBA was officially registered in 2010. With assistance from Australian Aid Fund and USAID the
islands saw colony expansion, the introduction of innovative technologies and capacity building within
the industry.
Some of the challenges facing the beekeepers in SVG include possible invasion of Africanized bees
and other pests and diseases, residential expansion and limited funding. However, post volcanic
eruption the situation on the ground has changed significantly and presented more challenges.
(Haynes, 2020)
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The majority of the keepers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (58%) are males over 50 years old. All of
the respondents are either hobbyists or part-time beekeepers, with three quarters (75%) of them
formally registered as beekeepers. Half of the surveyed beekeepers have 1-5 years’ experience, with
another twenty-five percent (25%) having between 6-10 years’ experience. The respondents stated that
their major sources of beekeeping information are local internet (28%), other beekeepers (28%), local
beekeeping association (28%).
Figure 67 Demographic information for beekeepers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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The majority of beekeepers (87%) stated that their apiaries were located in rural spaces, with fifty-eight
percent (58%) of them stating that there were no other apiaries located within 3km of theirs. Sixty-
seven percent of the beekeepers (67%) also stated that the major deciding factor for the location of
their apiaries is access to land, far away from human activities especially chemical use. Ninety-two
percent (92%) of the respondents stated that bees forage only within 2km of their apiaries, which
indicates a gap in understanding in bee biology and behaviour.
Figure 68 Apiary and forage information for beekeepers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines
81
Only thirty-six percent (36%) of the respondents correctly indicated that they use body size and shape
to identify different casts of bees, indicating that there is a need to strengthen their understanding of
bee biology. The majority of bees in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are Italian honeybees, with some
European/German Black bees and Africanized bees. There are no stingless bees identified by the
surveyed beekeepers.
Sixty-seven percent (67%) of the beekeepers manage 1-10 hives, with the maximum on the island
being between 26-50 hives. Sixty-six percent (68%) of beekeepers stated that they did not requeen
their hives, which is further indication that there is a need to increase knowledge in bee biology and
proper hive management.
Figure 69 Apiculture knowledge and management for beekeepers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In terms of regularity of hive inspections, a little over one third (37%) of the beekeepers stated they did
inspections every two weeks, whilst the rest (63%) stated that they inspected either monthly (36%),
yearly (9%) or when they had time (18%). In order to ensure high productivity and bee colony health, it
is important to conduct inspections at least every two weeks. The majority of beekeepers (60%) stated
that they evaluated food stores to ensure that their bees had enough food, which is the appropriate
82
method for evaluation. There is however a need to educate the 40% of the beekeepers who were using
inappropriate methods for evaluation.
Half of the beekeepers stated that they gave their bees additional nutrition whilst the other half did not.
This is another important aspect of bee nutrition that requires strengthening.
Figure 70 Disease prevalence and treatment for beekeepers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The beekeepers identified the following factors as leading to colony collapse:

- Varroa mite (17%)
- Theft (15%)
- Wax moth (20%)
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- Chalkbrood (19%)
- Exposure to pesticides and other agro-chemicals (15%)
- Bad weather (8%)
Half the beekeepers (50%) stated that they give their bees additional nutrition and visually inspected to
establish varroa mite infestation. Similarly, seventy-three percent (73%) of the beekeepers stated that
they did not treat varroa mites and eighty-three percent (83%) stated that they did not follow an
integrated pest management plan. These results speak to the need to educate beekeepers on pests
and diseases and assist them in accessing and implementing treatments for these.
The majority of the beekeepers stated that they are able to harvest once between January to April and
May to August, with the majority stating that they harvest twice to three times during September to
December. Fifty-five percent of beekeepers stated that they typically harvest 1-3 gallons per hive. Only
forty percent (40%) of beekeepers stated that they also harvest beeswax, the remaining only focusing
on honey. The top three major challenges faced by beekeepers were access to funding (28%), time
(19%) and sourcing beekeeping supplies (16%).
Figure 71 Honey production and value-added product for beekeepers from St. Vincent and the
Grenadines.
84
10.3 Bee Forage in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The forage most identified by local beekeepers were mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea
americana, Miller), coffee (Coffea sp.), Glory Cedar (Glyricidia sepium), red cedar (Juniperus
virginiana), mora (Mora sp.), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and palm (Palma sp.). In order to support
expansion of the industry on the island, more of this forage should be planted.
Figure 72 Bee forage for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
10.4 St. Vincent and the Grenadines summary

Apiculture in St. Vincent & The Grenadines is relatively new to the country with craft being introduced in
the 1950's by an English missionary. Since then, apiculture has found its niche and through various
interventions, apiculture has developed. The 2021 La Soufriere volcanic eruption did have a significant
effect on the bee population with 107 managed colonies being lost because of the eruption (Williams,
2021)
Data coming back from the survey highlighted several areas. Such as the aging population of
beekeepers with 58% of respondents being in the category 55 – 60+, with the majority only having 1-5
years of experience. Weakness was observed in bee biology with only thirty-six percent of the
respondents indicating that they use body size and shape to identify different casts of bees. Sixty-seven
percent (67%) of the beekeepers manage 1-10 hives, with the maximum on the island being between
26-50 hives. Sixty-six percent (68%) of beekeepers stated that they did not requeen their hives, which
is further indication that there is a need to increase knowledge in bee biology and proper hive
management.
Data drawn on honey production and value-added products highlights the need for strengthening
production levels since they are low (1-3 gallons per hive per quarter) and to expand into additional
products, from the hive other than beeswax.
85
86
Trinidad and Tobago
11.0 Trinidad and Tobago
Africanized honeybees were first identified in Trinidad in June
1979, having migrated from neighboring Venezuela. Today, 42
years later, they are the only honeybees managed in Trinidad
since they have replaced the European honeybees, which were
known to be in Trinidad since 1900. The honeybees present in
Tobago however, are of European origin and to the best of local
knowledge, there are no Africanized bees present in Tobago.
There are also stingless bees on both islands. Beekeeping takes
place mainly in rural forested areas of the North Coast, Northeast
and Southwest Trinidad due to the availability of nectar sources.
In 1992, the average reported honey yield per colony in Trinidad Figure 73 Map of Trinidad and
in 1991 was 24kg per annum while in Tobago, it was 30kg. Total Tobago. (https://d-maps.com/)
production for Trinidad and Tobago in 1991 was estimated at 127,137kg. Honey production is derived
from one major honey flow from January to mid-June which is the dry season in Trinidad and Tobago.
There is a minor flow during September to October in the “Petit Careme” (a short dry spell of about
three weeks in the wet season) but few beekeepers extract honey at this time (IICA 1992).
According to Budhu and Permanand (2014), Trinidad and Tobago has won numerous awards in the
National Honey Show (NHS) in London, which provides evidence for the high quality of local honey. In
2001, the EU enforced the submission of a residue monitoring plan from all third countries (non-EU
countries) wishing to export honey into the European Union. Because of the lack of local testing
facilities and costs associated with attaining certification abroad, beekeepers in Trinidad and Tobago
have been unable to participate in the NHS and export their honey since 2001. This has resulted in all
local honey being used for domestic consumption.
Budhu and Permanand (2014) also stated that demand severely exceeds supply, and the current state
of the local honey industry can be described as a hobby industry as many beekeepers produce honey
as a past-time activity or as a source of additional income. Very few beekeepers, if any at all, produce
honey on a full-time basis. Many factors such as lack of foraging areas designated for beekeeping, lack
of testing facilities, inability to properly secure incentives and even lack of regulation and enforcement
of laws have hampered the development of the industry.
A socioeconomic assessment of the Impact of an invasive alien species (IAS) on the Beekeeping
Industry in T&T: the case of Varroa jacobsoni or the Varroa Mite was conducted by E. Evans and
others from the Department of Agriculture Economics and Extension, UWI, St. Augustine in 2014.
Varroa Mite was first sighted in July 1996 in Maraval on the island of Trinidad. The IAS is believed to
have reached Trinidad on swarms that migrated from the Venezuelan mainland into the country
(GoRTT 2016).
87
Most of the beekeepers interviewed in the survey are male, with a wide age distribution who are mostly
registered, part-time beekeepers. More than half of the population (53%) have between 1-5 years’
experience, with only twenty-one percent (21%) having 6-10 years’ experience. The major sources of
information are regional beekeeping organizations (30%), local beekeepers (20%) and the internet
(21%).
Figure 74 Demographic data for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago.
88
Most of the interviewees indicated that their apiaries were located in rural areas, with forty-eight (48%)
stating that these were close to agricultural fields. More than half the interviewees (55%) stated that
they were within a few kilometers from another apiary.
Figure 75 Apiary and forage information for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago.
There was no one criteria for choosing a location that stood out amongst the interviewed beekeepers.
Only 28% of the beekeepers stated that bees forage up to 3km in distance, indicating that there is still a
need to strengthen their knowledge of bee biology.
89
Less than fifty percent (50%) of the interviewed beekeepers stated that they identified bee casts by
body size and shape. The remaining used other discerning features however, these are not related to
casts and as such, this also strengthens the suggestion that their understanding of bee biology needs
to be strengthened. The beekeepers identified a wide range of bee species on the island. The islands
of Trinidad and Tobago have different bee species; Trinidad has Africanized bees whilst Tobago does
not. Tobago has European bees whilst these have not been found in Trinidad.
Figure 76 Apiculture knowledge and management for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago.
The beekeepers identified the following as causes of colony loss:

- Theft (15%)
- Varroa mite (12%)
- Wax moth (14%)
- Chalkbrood (4%)
- Bad weather (15%)
90
Eighty-eight (88%) of the interviewees stated that they did not give their bees additional nutrition.
Seventy-one percent of the interviewees stated that they did not treat for varroa mite, whilst another
fifty-one percent (51%) stated that they either used an inappropriate method for identifying the disease
or did not use any at all. Almost half of the beekeepers stated that they use an integrated pest
management plan (49%).
Figure 77 Disease prevalence and treatment for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago.
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Most of the beekeepers in Trinidad stated that they harvested honey more than once every quarter.
Almost half of them (49%) stated that they get 1-3 gallons per hive with another twenty-nine percent
(29%) stated that they get between 4-6 gallons per hive. Other than honey, the majority also produced
beeswax. The top three limitations in terms of the development of their apiaries were suitable apiary
locations (access to land), funding and time.
Figure 78 Honey production and value-added products for beekeepers from Trinidad and Tobago.
11.3 Bee Forage in Trinidad and Tobago

The five top forage for Trinidad and Tobago were mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea
americana, Miller), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), Poui (Tabebuia rosea) and hog plum (Spondias
mombin). These are generally found in the northern part of the island, indicating that generally most
beekeepers raise bees in this region. In order to support beekeeping, more forage should be planted
and bee colonies established to support the development of the bees and the trees.
IICA (1992) reports that the major type of vegetation from which nectar and pollen are collected are
forest and fruit trees, weeds, shrubs and mangrove plants. Other common forest species include cypre
(Cordia alliodora), white fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum), angeline (Andira inermis), logwood
(Haematoxylum campechianum), immortelle (Helichrysum italicum), rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), black
mangrove (Avicennia germinans), mahogany (Swietenia sp.), cajuca (Myristica surinamensis), crappo
(Carapa guianensis), foforite and saman tree (Samanea saman). Fruit tree species include citrus (Citrus
92
sp.), coffee (Coffea sp.), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), guava (Psiduim guajava), chennet
(Melicocca bijuga L.), pomerac (Syzygium malaccense) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) (IICA
1992).
Figure 79 Bee forage in Trinidad and Tobago.

Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 79. Bee forage for Trinidad and Tobago.
11.4 Trinidad and Tobago Summary
Unlike many of the islands north of Trinidad & Tobago, the sector is dominated by males as evidence
by seventy-two percent (72%) of respondents being male. This is especially important since
beekeepers in Trinidad and Tobago are fractured and there is poor representation of beekeeping
interest on the islands. It is therefore recommended that more women and youth be encouraged to join
the trade to improve beekeeper relations and facilitate the expansion of the industry into more value-
added products.
Since Budhu and Permanand (2014), little has changed in terms of the type of beekeepers and as
such, most are part-time or hobbyists. Data on honey production and value-added products highlights
the need for strengthening production levels since they are low and to expand into additional products,
from the hive other than beeswax. Despite a wide range of forage available, lack of suitable apiary
locations remains a limiting factor for local beekeepers. The country is blessed with three large
swamps, which can provide great beekeeping opportunities. There are also regions of the island where
saltwater intrusion and coastal erosion have negatively impacted traditional agricultural activities and as
such, these areas can now be reverted/replanted with salt-tolerant species for e.g. mangrove and the
agriculture converted to apiculture.
Preliminary testing for varroa mite on the island has shown that the parasite is widely prevalent. Despite
being diagnosed over ten years ago, there has been a resistance from beekeepers to adopt treatment
measures and this has facilitated the proliferation of the parasite. There is a need to extend testing to
the entire country, including Tobago, but more importantly, to train beekeepers in the proper treatment
of this disease. The survey highlights the need to strengthen the basics in bee biology and hive
management amongst local beekeepers, in order to develop the skills necessary to increase
production.
93
94
Samoa, South Pacific
12.0 Samoa
Samoa is a group of small islands in the south Pacific Ocean with
a total area of 2840 km 2, home to approximately 190,000 people
who live along the coastline, where most of the towns are located.
The economy of Samoa is dependent on agriculture, which

employs two-thirds of the labor force, and furnishes 9% of exports,
featuring coconut cream, coconut oil and copra.
Black strains of the honeybee Apis mellifera were introduced by

early settlers and missionaries in the 19th century. The Samoan Figure 80 Map of Samoa.
(https://d-maps.com/)
American Bee Company (SABCO) began operating in 1978 and
increased hive holdings to 900 hives which they exported to
Germany from 1981–83. Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 80. Map of Samoa (https://d-maps.com)
The company was reformed as the Samoan Bee and Honey Company (SABHO) in 1985 with European
partners and it expanded its holdings to 1800 hives, increasing its exports to Germany. The company
suffered management and financial problems and was effectively abandoned in 1989.
Since then, severe cyclones in 1990 and 1991, as well as local villagers and wood rot and white ants
(termites) destroyed most of the hives. The 22 remnants of these hives, plus the many hundreds of wild
or feral hives that occupied houses and trees have been used to re-establish village-based and
commercial beekeeping. Since then, there have been many efforts to revive the industry, in conjunction
with local women’s groups and beekeeping organizations, with the hope of expanding its production to
what it was in the past.
Samoa has not reported the presence of Varroa mite on the island however, they have had some
reports of American Foulbrood disease. However, despite these earlier findings, this does not prevent
the development of both, as well as other diseases on the island and as such, continuous monitoring is
important in ensuring that these diseases are controlled and prevented from threatening the small
production operations on the islands.
95
Half of the surveyed beekeepers are over 50 years old and are mostly male. Over eighty percent (80%)
of the interviewed beekeepers are part-time, with the remaining being hobbyist. Most of them are
registered beekeepers (67%) with 1-5 years’ experience (75%). Only twenty-five percent (25%) of the
respondents had over 20 years’ experience. Interestingly, the respondents indicated that they get most
of the beekeeping information from the internet (27%), other beekeepers (24%) and local beekeeping
associations (21%).
Figure 81 Demographic data for Samoan beekeepers.
96
The majority of the survey respondents (80%) indicated that their apiaries were located in rural areas
within close vicinity to forests or agricultural fields. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of the apiaries were
located close to other apiaries, with only eight percent (8%) existing within close proximity to
commercial apiaries.
Most respondents stated that they selected their apiary locations based on the access to land (24%),
which is shaded and sheltered (21%), has an abundance of forage (38%) and is far away from human
activities (17%). When asked how far bees fly to forage, most of the respondents indicated 1-2km
(66%), with seventeen percent (17%) of respondents indicating 3km and 500m. This indicates that
beekeepers from Samoa need to be strengthened in terms of their understanding of basic bee biology.
Figure 82 Apiaries and forage data for Samoan beekeepers.
The majority of the respondents stated that they used body size and shape as well as band colour to
identify the different cast of bees. The respondents stated that ninety percent (90%) of their bees were
European/German Black bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and the remaining ten percent (10%) were
stingless bees belonging to Trigona sp.
97
Half (50%) of the interviewed beekeepers stated that they managed 1-10 hives, however a further one -
third (33%) managed 11-25 hives. Half of the respondents indicated that they re-queened either once a
year (25%) or every 2-3 years (25%), whilst the other half did not know or understand about
requeening.
Half of the respondents (50%) indicated that they conduct weekly hive inspections, with the other half
indicating that they inspected monthly or every 6weeks to 4 months. When asked how they determine if
their bees have enough food, a total of seventy-seven percent (77%) of the population indicated that
they conduct a hive inspection (31%) and look for food stores (46%). Interestingly, eight percent (8%)
indicated that they were not sure how to do so.
Figure 83 Apiculture knowledge and management information for Samoan beekeepers.
Half of the surveyed beekeepers (50%) indicated that they provided additional nutrition to their bees.
The following were identified as the major causes of colony loss by the respondents:
- Theft (6%)
- Varroa mite (7%)
- Bad weather (17%)
- Chalkbrood (19%)
- Inadequate nutrition (19%)
- Wax moth (13%).
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Despite identifying a number of diseases as causes of colony loss, three-quarters (75%) of the
respondents indicated that they did not follow an integrated pest management plan.
Figure 84 Disease prevalence and treatment for Samoan beekeepers.
Half of the respondents (50%) indicated that they inspected their hives for signs of varroa mite, with a
further 17% indicating that they review drone broods and 16% indicated they conducted alcohol
washes. The most appropriate method however would be alcohol wash; by the time varroa mites
become visible, it means that the hive is highly infected. Only 29% of the respondents treated their
hives for varroa mites twice a year, whilst the remaining seventy-one percent (71%) did nothing. The
responses to these questions are very interesting since a 2002 survey indicated that there is no varroa
mite on the island. This requires further investigating.
99
The majority of the beekeepers indicated that they harvested honey once per quarter, and they typically
collected 1-3 gallons per hive. Interestingly, almost one-third of the respondents (30%) indicated that
they harvested less than a gallon of honey. We can only hope that these respondents were stingless
beekeepers.
The majority of the respondents also harvested beeswax (44%), with a smaller proportion harvesting
propolis (25%) and pollen (6%). Samoan beekeepers identified funding, sourcing beekeeping supplies,
sourcing queen and technical support as the major challenges affecting the development of their
beekeeping enterprises.
Figure 85 Honey production and value-added products for Samoan beekeepers.
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12.3 Bee Forage in Samoa
The main bee forage identified in Samoa were mango ((Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana,
Miller), coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), palm (Palma sp.) and poumuli (Flueggea flexuosa). These should
be planted to provide forage for the bees, especially if the number of colonies are to be expanded on
the island.
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 86. Bee forage in Samoa

Figure 86 Bee forage in Samoa.
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 86. Bee forage in Samoa

Figure 87 Bee forage in Samoa.
12.3. Samoa Summary
At its peak the Samoan Bee and Honey Company (SABHO) in 1985 with European partners had 1800
hives, with exports to Germany. The company suffered management and financial problems and was
effectively abandoned in 1989. Since then Samoa has undertaken a number of initiatives in beekeeping
to restart the industry.
Despite these interventions, data from this survey suggests there is a need to strengthen hive
management, basic bee biology, integrated pest management and diversification of value-added
products.
Additionally, it would be important to continue the work started by PHAMA in 2012 in the area of testing
for testing for pests and diseases on the islands. Despite all the training provided under the SPREP’
1999 project, the majority of beekeepers in Samoa are still male, part-time with small apiaries. In order
to support the industry and the development of women on the island, it is recommended that more
women be encouraged to join the trade. Through this, it is hoped that the development and expansion
of value-added products will also be realized.
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Conclusions, Recommendations
102
and Way Forward
13.0 Conclusions, Recommendations and Way Forward
13.1.0 Comparison of historical data with this beekeeping surveys
In 1992, at the first Regional Training Workshop for Beekeepers, there were a number of agreed
conclusions for the participating ten countries, which included those surveyed in this study. Some of the
important supporting conclusions which remain true to date include:
1. Beekeeping can make very positive contributions to the diversification effort by stimulating
productivity, exports and import substitutions;
2. The Eastern Caribbean islands have ample land areas suitable for the production of a wide variety
of honey and hive products;
3. The beekeeping industry should be kept in the hands of and controlled by local beekeepers.
Proposals for joint operations with external entrepreneurs should be carefully reviewed, studied
and discussed;
4. Bee stock on all our islands is considered by the experts to be of very good quality. It should not be
jeopardized by importing new stock;
5. Honey is the main hive product marketed. Several beekeepers sell beeswax for candles and batik
making. Very few collect pollen or other hive products.
6. The present levels of honey production are insufficient to meet the local market demand in most of
the Eastern Caribbean;
The conclusions of this report mirror most of those made twenty-nine years (29) years ago in the IICA
(1992) report. The only differences in the conclusions are:
- Beekeepers in this survey state that they are able to harvest honey three times a year, instead
of two, which was previously reported; and
- Beekeepers now harvest more products from hives than previously reported. Some of the major
conclusions which were similar are:
Table 4: Comparison of conclusions from IICA (1992) and this report

Conclusions from IICA (1992) Conclusions from this report
1. There tends to be a scarcity of technical expertise 1. Funding, sourcing beekeeping supplies and
in apiculture in most islands and relatively few technical support were the top three major
challenges affecting the development of their
organized training events utilizing few experts
beekeeping.
available within the participating countries. In
general, most beekeepers have difficulty in
obtaining beekeeping equipment and materials;
2. The majority are male, part-time registered

2. Most are part-time beekeepers, small operators beekeepers with only 1-5 years’ experience in
and a few are hobbyists; beekeeping
3. The principal nectar (honey) flow in most of the 3. The majority of respondents indicated that
they harvest 1-3 gallons of honey at least
islands falls between December and July, with a
once per quarter. This is actually lower than
secondary flow August to October; For the majority values reported earlier
of beekeepers in the sub-region, honey productivity
103
is low, often falling between 50-120 lbs./hive/year
(4.7gal - 10gal).
4. One important cause of low productivity of honey 4. Most of the beekeeping respondents (87%)
production in the sub-region is the tendency to not indicated that they either do not requeen
requeen systematically. Young queens are much (32%), requeen every 2-3 years (32%) or do
more productive than older queens. Poor not know about requeening at all (23%). There
management practices also contribute to low is therefore a need to develop this skill
regionally in order to improve the productivity
productivity;
within the sector.
5. Bees have the ability to fly over 12 miles therefore 5. Sixty-one percent (61%) of the respondents
any island selected for commercial raising of queen indicated that bees only forage within 2km of
bees should be over 12 miles distant from other their apiaries. This illustrates a poor
islands; understanding of bee biology as well as
factors that impact bees. If there are any
installations within 12km which are using toxic
chemicals, this would affect bee and colony
health. Hence, it is important to know the
apiary surroundings at least 12km (4 miles).
6. Honey is the main hive product marketed. Several 6. 40% of interviewed beekeepers stated that
beekeepers sell beeswax for candles and batik they harvested honey alone. However, 54%
making. Very few collect pollen or other hive stated that they harvested beeswax, 4%
products. Honey, beeswax and pollen are the three harvested royal jelly, 17% harvested propolis,
hive products which can most easily be 14% harvested pollen whilst 12% used hive
commercialized by regional beekeepers. products to develop skin care lines for sale.
13.1.2 Review of recommendation for the Caribbean region
Recommendations coming out of the First Regional Training Workshops for Beekeepers (IICA 1992):
1. Efforts should be made in each country to coordinate with Agro-forestry and Environmental
Protection projects to promote the integration of beekeeping activities
2. Training activities oriented towards increasing the productivity and sustainability of beekeeping
should be organized on a regular basis in each country
3. A publication on trees, shrubs and other bee pastures best suited for the production of nectar
and pollen in the Eastern Caribbean. Attention should be given to those plants which may be
detrimental to the agricultural sector
4. Training of beekeepers in queen rearing and queen replacement should be given high priority
5. Beekeepers should make efforts to improve their methods of honey extraction and bottling so as
to improve and standardize quality and presentation
6. A study of the market for honey and hive products in the Eastern Caribbean and the supply and
demand of honey, should be commissioned to generate information for planning the
development of the beekeeping industry.
CDE (2011) reviewed the apiculture sector in nine countries and made the following recommendations:
104
1. Information should be disseminated and explained about issues surrounding testing for honey
standards and residue monitoring
2. A system for traceability should be prepared and delivered for honey packers and processors.
3. Training for responsible persons in bee disease analysis, apiary inspection and disease status
monitoring.
4. All countries adopt policies to control the importation of bees and bee equipment to discourage
transmission of pests and diseases.
5. Beekeepers should be trained in alternative, natural methods for Varroa control
6. Beekeepers should be trained in best practice for maintaining bee health in the apiary
7. Queen rearing training programme (principally for increase) with follow-up support provided by
ACBO to ensure sustainability.
8. Beekeepers are given some theory and instruction about how to nurture a well-adapted and
healthy island honeybee population (genetics theory, selecting queen breeder colonies)
9. Training workshop in making value-added products from beeswax
10. Develop the capacity of ACBO to coordinate communications across the Caribbean region,
assist country BKAs and build an Information Service website
11. A study to investigate using local stingless bees for pollination of vegetables in greenhouses.
12. Develop Api-tourism further in the participating countries.
13. Position paper and country initiatives on protecting bee forage in the Caribbean
13.1.3 Further recommendations and way forward
All of the recommendations made in the past remain true for these current times, as little has changed
in the industry over the last thirty years. The following are other recommendations, not included in
previous reports, that can be made based on our current results:
1. Best Practices:
a. Beekeepers to be trained in best practices for maintaining bee health in the apiary.
b. Varroa mite testing – Based on recent field observations in at least two of the
participating countries, there is a need to complete country surveys to review the levels
of infestation across the Caribbean region. This is extremely important if the industry is
to be expanded in participating countries.
2. Viral Load Analysis
a. Following from 2, viral load analysis should also be conducted for the Caribbean. Bees
suffer from a number of viral diseases, and these can act in conjunction with other pests
and pathogens. Training for responsible persons in bee disease analysis, apiary
inspection and disease status monitoring is required.
3. Integrated Pest Management Programs (IPMP)
a. Beekeepers should be trained in Integrated Pest Management Programs (IPMP) and
this must become the norm. Beekeeping CSOs, Divisions or dependents within the
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Ministries of Agriculture, within each of the respective countries, need to closely monitor
existing and emerging biological threats to colonies.
4. Education and Skills Development:
a. Beekeepers should be provided with accurate theoretical and practical skills training on
how to nurture a well-adapted and healthy island honeybee population (genetics theory,
selecting queen breeder colonies)
b. Queen rearing training programmes (principally for increase) should be developed and
be well supported, with follow-up support from key partner CSO’s and relevant MoA
Officials.
5. Value-added products:
a. Training workshops in making value-added products should be held in each of the
islands to encourage the development of varied products.
b. Api-tourism should be developed across the participating countries and added to current
tourism packages and offerings. Countries should also consider linking their tours
together for example to provide an apitourism tour of the Caribbean. Tours should also
be encouraged for beekeepers across the region.
6. Agro-chemical testing:
a. The growing need to feed an increasing global population of human beings has resulted
in the excessive use of agrochemicals as the means to controlling pests and increasing
yields. Work is urgently needed in South/South collaborating countries to establish
appropriate ways to determine the effects of agro-chemicals on the environment and
especially, native flora and fauna. Preliminary work has thus far indicated that toxic
chemical exists in concentrations much higher than acceptable limits. There is need to
increase testing in order to augment understanding of the potential damage they may
inflict on honeybees, and pollinators on the whole, and how to minimize their growing
adverse impacts.
7. Medicinal honey:
a. Honey is an ancient remedy which has recently regained recognition of its usefulness to
modern medicine for its medicinal properties. World demand for medical grade
anti‐microbial honeys is growing, and demand begins to approach a level whereby
existing sources, predominantly New Zealand manuka honey may need to be
supplemented by other sources. Medicinal honey can be developed for the region since
many of our islands possess plants with these important immunity supportive
characteristics. It is therefore recommended that beekeepers be supported in the
development of medicinal characteristics of honey with the planting of key medicinal
plants and trees in the vicinity of apiaries. This will not only provide the resins and nectar
that can be processed by bees for medicinal honey, but it can also support protection of
important natural spaces.
106
14.0 References
ACBO. 2020. 10th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress. https://www.acboonline.com/cbc-2020/10th-
caribbean-beekeeping-congress/
APINOV. 2019. Scientific report. Honeybee genetic diversity in St. Lucia. Prepared by Benjamin Pierot,
Ph.D. April 24th 2019.
Bees for Development (BFD). 2011. CDE Project CAR/1007/R01/FO: Technical Assistance to
Caribbean beekeepers and clusters. Center for the Development of Enterprise (CDE). December 2011.
BES-NET. 2018. Action Document On Pollinators, Food Security And Climate Resilience In The
Caribbean Region. The Outcome of the BES-Net Caribbean Regional Trialogue on 4-6 September
2018 in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic. https://www.besnet.world/events/caribbean-regional-
trialogue/ Last accessed 19th December 2021.
Budhu and Permanand (2014). The development of the honey industry in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, Trinidad and Tobago. Last accessed 24 th February
2022 from: http://www.acboonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/EDC-The-development-of-the-
honey-sector-in-Trinidad-and-Tobago.pdf
Burlew, R. 2022. Requeening a hive may not be the best answer. Taken from Rusty Burlew blog:
Honeybee Suite. A Better Way To Bee. Last accessed 24 th February 2022:
https://www.honeybeesuite.com/requeening-hive-may-not-best-answer/
CABI. 2021. Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CABI International. https://cabi.org/lac
Melville-Edwin, S. and Denis, M. 2020. Beekeeping in St. Lucia. Presented at the ACBO 10th Caribbean
Beekeeping Congress. Presented by Marcus Denis, National Apiculture Coordinator, Ministry of
Agriculture, Veterinary & Livestock Services Division. http://www.acboonline.com/wp-
content/uploads/2021/01/St.-Lucia-Congress.pdf
Eckert, J.E. 1933. The flight range of the honeybee, Journal of Agricultural Research, v. 47, no. 8, p
257-285
Espirit, A. 2020. Dominica Brief Country Profile. Personal communications from Agnes Espirit, National
Coordinator, GEF SGP Dominica. 2 nd February 2021.
GEF SGP. 2019. GEF SGP Strategic Project Window Template. Saint Lucia. Apiculture and
Biodiversity – A Nexus for Sustainable Development in rural sections of seven GEF SGP UNDP
countries (Dominica; Grenada; Saint Kitts & Nevis; Saint Lucia; Samoa; and Trinidad and Tobago.
Georges, B. 2020. 10th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress. Antigua and Barbuda Country Paper.
Presented at the ACBO 10th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress. Presented by Brent Georges, President
Beekeepers Association. http://www.acboonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Antigua-and-
Barbuda.pdf
107
Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) (2016). Fifth National Report to the
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Port of Spain, Trinidad. Last accessed on 24 th
February from: https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/tt/tt-nr-05-en.pdf
Graveson, R. 2019. Plants of Saint Lucia, A Pictorial Flora of Wild and Cultivated Vascular Plants.
September 2019 - https://www.saintlucianplants.com/index.html
Guishard-Pine OBE, J. 2020. Beekeeping in St Kitts. Presented at the ACBO 10th Caribbean
Beekeeping Congress. http://www.acboonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/St.-Kitts-_-Nevis.pdf
Haynes, T. 2020. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Country Context. Personal Communications from
Tasheka Haynes, National Coordinator, GEF SGP St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 1 st June 2020.
IICA. 1992. First Regional Training Workshop for Beekeepers, Castries, St. Lucia, May 1992. Last
accessed 24th February 2022 from:
https://books.google.tt/books?id=GsMOAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA27&lpg=PA27&dq=%22beekeeping+in+anti
gua+and+barbuda%22&source=bl&ots=dJQ0389iYR&sig=ACfU3U1kI290IfRY3U9znU2k_WVxpKrWkQ
&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcodHxmq30AhXZRzABHfGnCtoQ6AF6BAgIEAM#v=onepage&q&f=fals
e
Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture (ICTA). 1926. Tropical Agriculture. Journal of the Imperial
College of Tropical Agriculture. Published monthly at Trinidad, B.W.I. Tropical Agriculture contains
valuable articles dealing with sugar, cocoa, coffee, tea, cotton, copra and other tropical products.
Trinidad, B.W.I.
Invine, C. 2020. Beekeeping in Tobago. Presented at the ACBO 10th Caribbean Beekeeping Congress.
Presented by Mr. Cherith Irvine, Apiculture Officer, Division of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries.
http://www.acboonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/10-caribbean-beekeeing-congress-tbg.pdf
Sinanan, H. 2020. Beekeeping in Trinidad. Presented at the ACBO 10th Caribbean Beekeeping
Congress. Presented by Hayden Sinanan, Inspector of Apiaries, Ministry of Agriculture Land and
Fisheries. http://www.acboonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/TT_Country-Paper.pdf
University of Florida (UF). 2022. Requeening A Beehive. https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/requeening-

a-beehive/
Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies (ICAWI). 1918. Report on the Agricultural
Department, St. Lucia.
Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies (ICAWI). 1939. Report on the Department of
Agriculture St. Lucia, 1938. Issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture. Printed by the Government
Printer at the Government Printing Office, St. Lucia.
108
Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies (ICAWI). 1942. Report on the Department of
Agriculture St. Lucia, 1941. Issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture. Printed by the Government
Printer at the Government Printing Office, St. Lucia.
vanEngelsdorp, D. (2003). Assessment of the Apiculture Industry in St. Lucia, West Indies. Farmer to
Farmer Consultation Report - March 25 to April 5 2003. Last accessed 24 th February 2022 from:
https://www.apiservices.biz/en/articles/sort-by-popularity/926-assessment-of-the-apiculture-industry-in-
st-lucia-west-indies-2003
Wannarka, M. 2016. Honeybee Plants in Grenada, Eastern Caribbean. from:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308926651_Honey_Bee_Plants_in_Grenada_Eastern_Caribb
ean Last accessed 24th February 2022
Wikipedia. 2022. Grenada https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenada Last accessed: 4th June 2022.
Williams, A. 2020. Beekeeping in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Presented at the ACBO 10th
Caribbean Beekeeping Congress. Mr. Allan Williams, Beekeeping Extentionist, Ministry of Agriculture,
St. Vincent and the Grenadines. http://www.acboonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SVG-10th-
Caribbean-Congress-Presentation.pdf Last accessed 24th February 2022
Williams, A. 2021. Building Resilience Of A Beekeeping Industry After A Volcanic Eruption (La
Soufriere, SVG), A beekeeper’s Perspective. Prepared by Allan Williams – Apicultural Extensionist of
the Ministry of Agriculture 24 May, 2021. https://www.acboonline.com/building-resilience-of-a-
beekeeping-industry-after-a-volcanic-eruption-la-soufriere-svg/ Last accessed 24th February 2022
109
15.0 Annexes
Annex 1: List of other plants identified in regional survey as bee forage
Acerola Cherry (Malpighia emarginata) Dondakaya,

Indian almond (Terminalia catappa) Downs or Coco coolie (Spondias mombin)
Angel trumpet (Brugmansia) Dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus)
Avocado (Persea americana, Miller), Enjin (Castilla elastica)
Bajan cherry (Malpighia emarginata) Fat Pork (Chrysobalanus icaco)
Balata (Manilkara bidentata) Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum)
Banana (Musa acuminata), Five finger (Averrhoa carambola)
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Galba (Calophyllum antillanum)
Bea Gwea Genip (Melicocca bijuga L.)
Blue Rats Tail (Stachytarpheta cayennensis) Glory Cedar (Glyricidia sepium)
Bois flambeau (Humiria balsamifera) Golden apple (Spondias dulcis)
Bois Rivière (Chimarrhis cymosa) Golden top (Laburnum sp.)
Bois tan (Tectona grandis) Gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus)
Bougainvillea, (Bougainvillea) Governor plums (Flacourtia indica)
Breadfruit tree (Artocarpus altilis) Grape (Vitis)
Bwa Lanmowi, (Coccoloba) Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi)
Cajuca, (Sorbus aucuparia) Guatecare (Carapa guianensis)
Calabash tree (Crescentia cujete) Guava (Psiduim guajava)
Calliandras (Calliandra) Gum tree (Eucalyptus mannifera)
Campeche (Haematoxylum campechianum) Hibiscus (Hibiscus)
Cannabis (Cannabis) Hog plum (Spondias mombin)
Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) Honey Suckle (Lonicera)
Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Honeywood (Alchornea glandulosa)
Castor (Ricinus communis) Ixora (Ixora coccinea)
Cedar (Cedrela odorata), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Chenet (Melicoccus bijugatus) Jamaican Akee (Blighia sapida)
Cherry (Prunus) Jamoon (Syzygium cumini)
Choko (Sechium edule) Java plum (Syzygium cumini)
Christmas bush (Eupatorium odoratum) Jujube (Ziziphus)
Christophene (Sechium edule) Juniper (Juniperus)
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Kakoli (Inga ingoides)
Cocorite (Attalea maripa) Kanpech (Haematoxylum campechianum Linnaeus)
Coral vines (Antigonon leptopus) Kenip (Melicoccus bijugatus)
Coralita (Antigonon leptopus) Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
Corn (Zea mays) Lavenda (Lavandula)
Crappo (Carapa guianensis), Lemon (Citrus limon)
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) leukenia or local name zing zing,
Custard apple (Annona reticulata) Lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia)
Cypre (Cordia alliodora), Local sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
Daisies (Bellis perennis) Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)
Dandelion (Taraxacum sp.) Mahoe (Sterculia caribea),
110
Mahogany (Swietenia) Swartz's pigeon plum (Coccoloba swartzii)
Mango (Mangifera indica) Soap vine (Smilax laurifolia)
Mangrove Black (Avicennia germinans) Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus)
Marigolds (Tagetes) Soursop (Annona muricata)
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) Sugar apple (Annona squamosa)
masambay Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum)
Mile a minute (Persicaria perfoliata) Sunflower (Helianthus)
Mimosa (Mimosa) Sweet lime (Citrus limetta)
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
morocco apple, Teak (Tectona grandis)
Mouzambe (Cleome viscosa) Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Mustard (Brassica) Ti bonm (Croton suavis)
Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) Ti calbas;
Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Ti Marie (Mimosa pudica)
Oliva (Streptocarpus) Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Poui (Tabebuia rosea) (Tabebuia rosea) Tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata)
Oliviere (Combretaceae—Terminaliaamazonia) Torch bushes (Billbergia pyramidalis)
Orange (Citrus × sinensis) Trumpet tree (Tabebuia)
Ornamental Cherry (Prunus avium) Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Papaya (Carica papaya) Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense)
Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) West Indian Bay Leaf (Pimenta racemosa)
Petrea (Petrea volubilis) West Indian Cherry (Malpighia emarginata)
Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) Wézinyé or Grape tree (Coccoloba swartzii)
Pine (Pinus) White cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla)
Pink Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) White sage (Salvia apiana)
Plantain (Plantago) wild chaconia (Warszewiczia coccinea)
Plum rose (Syzygium jambos) Wild nutmeg (Myristica surinamensis)
Plum Wild Tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliquum)
Pois Doux (Inga) wild tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Wild tobacco (solanum americanum)
Pomerac (Syzygium malaccense) yellow ollivierre (Buchenavia capitata)
Pomme tree (Malus domestica)
Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
Protium guianense
Protium insigne
Pumpkin (Cucurbita)
Rain tree (Samanea saman)
Roble (Nothofagus obliqua)
Ryo (Fraxinus lanuginosa)
sapodilla (Manilkara zapota)
Savonnèt Tree (Lonchocarpus punctatus)
Sepium tree, Glory Cedar (Gliricidia sepium)
Serette (Byrsonima spicata),
111

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APICULTURE: A CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT IN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING

Richard A. Matthias 01/06/22

A CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN

SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS)

BASELINE SURVEY OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE APICULTURE INDUSTRY IN

Picture credits Richard Matthias and Sharda Mahabir

2.1 Pollinators and beekeeping in the Caribbean

2.2 Why is a survey of this kind important?

2.4 Review of the historical data in the beekeeping sector

However, APINOV (2019) indicates that there are both

2.4.2 Lessons learnt from beekeeping initiatives across the Caribbean

3.1.1 Review of the apiculture sector in all 6 islands

3.1.2 Data collection from beekeepers

This survey also collected important data such as:

3.1.4 Challenges and limitations of this survey

There were three main challenges with this project:

4.1 Data collection

Table 2. Number and percentages of respondents per country.

Figure 5 Graphical representation of responses from participating countries

4.2 Collation of survey results for all the Caribbean islands

Figure 6 Age distribution of all respondents

Figure 7 Gender distribution of respondents

Figure 8 Operational status of respondents

Figure 10 years of experience of respondents

Figure 12 Location of respondent apiaries.

Figure 13 Proximity of apiaries to others.

Figure 15 Maximum distance a bee will travel to forage.

4.2.3 Apiculture knowledge and management

Figure 17 Number of colonies managed by respondents.

Figure 18 Factors that cause colony loss.

Figure 20 Frequency of requeening of hives.

Figure 21 Percentage of respondents providing additional nutrition to their bees.

Figure 22 Methods used by respondents to identify varroa mite infections.

Figure 23 Percentage of beekeepers that follow an integrated pest management plan.

Figure 24 Frequency of harvesting honey by quarter.

Figure 25 Number of gallons of honey harvested by respondents.

Figure 27 The major factors limiting the development of beekeeping enterprises.

Table 3. List of forage types by country (Scientific names available in Annex 1)

Glory Cedar 13 9 16 4 44 18 2 7 113

Hog Plum 6 10 14 3 54 12 2 7 108

Sea Grape 14 19 13 3 35 11 10 3 108

Red Cedar 10 9 11 4 49 12 4 5 104

Figure 32 Demographic data for Antigua and Barbuda beekeepers

5.2.4. Honey production and value-added products

Figure 37 Bee forage in Antigua and Barbuda

5.4 Antigua and Barbuda Summary

Detailed catalogued information is not readily available on honey flows in

Figure 39 Demographic data for Dominican beekeepers.

Figure 40 Apiaries and forage data for Dominican beekeepers

6.2.3 Apiculture knowledge and management

Figure 42 Disease diagnosis and treatment information for Dominican beekeepers.

Figure 44 Bee Forage in Dominica

6.4 Dominica Summary

Figure 46 Demographic information for Grenadian beekeepers.

Figure 47 Apiaries and forage information for Grenadian beekeepers.

7.2.3 Apiculture knowledge and management

7.2.4 Honey production and value-added products

7.3 Bee Forage in Grenada