A review of African honeybees, behaviour and potential for increased beekeeping production and food security

Abstract

African honeybees have a higher tendency to swarm, abscond and migrate than their counterparts in Europe and elsewhere, thus making it more difficult to maintain  African honeybee colonies over years. They are also labeled as overly defensive, with a high propensity to sting, making their management a challenge. An extensive literature search on honeybee behaviour and management practices was conducted
to synthesize available information on African honeybee species and races and behaviour. The aim was to assess potential for options to increase beekeeping production and food security. The review revealed that there are at least twelve different honeybee races in Africa with varied behaviour, and options that can be utilized to  proliferate hive colonization, develop more active and productive colonies. A better
understanding of African honeybee races and their behaviour can be harnessed for more efficient pollination services critical to improving food security on the African continent, and for increased production of honey and other beehive products.

Key-words: African honeybees, bee behaviour and potential.