Description

Honey farming in Lesotho, a landlocked country located in southern Africa, is an important agricultural activity that contributes to the country’s economy and provides livelihood opportunities for local communities. Lesotho’s mountainous terrain, diverse flora, and favorable climate create suitable conditions for beekeeping and honey production.

Here are some key points about honey farming in Lesotho:

Beekeeping Tradition: Beekeeping has a long history in Lesotho, with local communities practicing it for generations. The Basotho people, the major ethnic group in Lesotho, have traditionally kept bees and harvested honey from wild beehives.

Types of Bees: The two main species of honey bees found in Lesotho are Apis mellifera scutellata and Apis mellifera capensis. These bees are known for their honey production capabilities and are commonly kept in hives by beekeepers.

Honey Production Areas: Honey production in Lesotho is concentrated in the lowlands and foothills regions, which provide a diverse range of flowering plants for bees to forage on. The eastern parts of the country, particularly areas near rivers and wetlands, are known for their rich floral resources.