Life is sweet in Sinuni: Bee cultivation and honey production in Iraq
Not everyone knows about Iraq’s honey producing abilities, but in Sinuni, northern Iraq, life is just a little bit sweeter.
Salem and his brother Issa own an apiary in their hometown of Sinuni, producing enough honey to cover all their living expenses. Salem explains, "I also sell new hives to my fellow beekeepers. We divide our existing hives into new ones every year and the hives continue to grow."
We sat with Salem and Issa in their home as they told us their story. He watches the cascade of gold being poured onto a plate, and Issa offers us some bread to taste this “liquid gold”.
"The honey produced in my apiary is different from other types. I am keen to provide the local market with the finest and best types used for treatment, especially in medical prescriptions for skin infections, ulcers, and other diseases," says Salem Qasim.
Honey production in danger
In the heart of Iraq's rural communities, the rhythm of life has long been intertwined with the buzzing of bees. Honey production, once a symbol of abundance and tradition, is now facing a steep decline, affecting not just the livelihood of beekeepers but also the cultural fabric of these communities. The challenges are many, with climate change and the spread of diseases due to nearby agricultural practices taking a heavy toll on apiaries. The use of chemicals on farms and frequent insect attacks have exacerbated the situation, leading to a noticeable drop in honey production.
The lack of vegetation cover in many regions has further strained the beekeeping industry, as it directly impacts the availability of natural resources needed for bees to thrive. This has resulted in a scarcity of honey in local markets, with the quality of what is available also suffering. Each year, beekeepers face an uphill battle, trying to adapt to these ever-changing conditions.
Beekeepers, known for their resilience and creativity, continue to search for solutions. However, one of the most pressing challenges they face is providing sufficient food for their bees during the lean seasons. The purchase of machinery to produce bee food has become essential for many, as it ensures the survival of their colonies and the continuous flow of honey that sustains both their families and the local economy.
The situation worsened during the dark days of ISIS control, which brought devastation to the region. The insurgents' occupation led to the destruction of most apiaries and the near-complete disappearance of bees, especially in areas under siege for extended periods. For two years, beekeeping came to a standstill, and with it, a way of life was nearly lost.
Yet, amidst these challenges, the beekeepers of Iraq continue to persevere, determined to restore their hives and their livelihoods. Their story is not just about the decline in honey production; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of communities who refuse to let their traditions fade away.
BREP preserves the tradition of honey-making in Iraq
UNDP's Building Resilience through Employment Promotion (BREP) project with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) in Iraq with funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) provided through KfW Development Bank actively kept Salem and Issa’s honey-making operation alive through BREP.
The BREP project was developed after areas were liberated from ISIL control, and displaced people began returning to their homes, often to a community with few facilities and job opportunities. The program aims to support small and medium enterprises, such as small agricultural projects like vegetable farms and beekeeping, providing returning families opportunities to earn income, produce food supplies, and empower individuals, contributing to local food supplies.
To date, over 1181 small and medium enterprises are supported with training, coaching, in-kind support, or grants like Salem.
With the liberation of Iraq's regions and the support of international aid, life is gradually returning to communities devastated by ISIS. Salem, a beekeeper, is one of many who benefited from these efforts. He received training and a grant to purchase a machine that produces food for his bees, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality honey to the local market.
Salem and his brother Issa also gained skills in business management and marketing, helping them rebuild their livelihoods. These support projects prioritize vulnerable families, including returnees and displaced people, ensuring they have the tools needed for a decent living and a fresh start.
Finding sustainable solutions
Bees still need food, even in their off season, which is during the months of August till March. Salem, an expert in beekeeping, sought to solve the food problem he was facing during this recession period to ensure his bees were fed enough in order to produce honey. Thanks to BREP, he received the funding and purchased the equipment to produce his own “bee food”, a mixture of pollen, vitamins, protein and the bees’ own honey. With this, he is now able to meet the needs of other surrounding apiaries, including his own, ensuring continuous honey production in the local market. Before BREP’s intervention, the beekeepers bought food from Baghdad at high prices, but now they can get it easily in Sinuni at lower prices and higher quality.
Salem’s Honey – social media sensation
Today, in the greenery-covered Sinuni in Nineveh Governorate, bees continue their vital work, producing honey from wildflowers rather than relying on farm crops. Salem, a local beekeeper, shares how his honey finds its way to customers: "In our small community, everyone knows where to get the best honey. I simply take calls from neighbors and sell directly to them."
Recently, Salem expanded his reach by creating a social media page to sell honey, where he also shares insights into beekeeping and the honey-making process. This has attracted customers from different regions, not just for the honey but also for bees from his thriving apiary.
Salem concludes with a simple yet powerful truth: "Our honey sells well because it has a delicious taste. The best way to market it is to offer excellent quality. Everyone knows where to buy the best honey, and now, through my social media page, I can reach even more customers."
The Future of Beekeeping in Iraq
Beekeepers involved in this project continue to thrive, steadily increasing the number of bee colonies and boosting their income. While many still operate on a small, local scale, the reach of social media has allowed them to expand their customer base. With growing interest and technical expertise, the future of beekeeping in Iraq looks promising.
