In March 2019 devastating Cyclone Idai caused havoc in Southern Africa. From the eastern most coast it travelled through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Madagascar, causing around 1,300 deaths. More than 3 million people suffered loss of family members, their possessions, homes and livelihoods.

The regions beekeeping industry was particularly badly effected  with beekeepers in Manicaland (Zimbabwe and Mozambique) losing their hives, and consequently their livelihood. Swept away by the flooding, destroyed by rock and landslides, or thrown out of the trees by the fierce winds. The International Federation of Beekeepers Associations, Apimondia and the charity Bees for Development, have started this joint effort to raise funds and support beekeepers affected in these areas by Cyclone Idai.

In all it has been estimated that 682 beekeepers in the Chimanimani region have been affected, losing 2,912 bee hives. In Chikukwa (district of Chimanimani), there are at least 164 beekeepers, with at least 600 hives washed away by the floods.  Solomon Chikwee, a beekeeper from Ngangu says: "I had 250 colonised hives, 150 are destroyed or taken by the floods." He has been hit hard by landslides and flooding.

Indeed, there is urgent need, expressed by beekeepers in the affected areas, to help them rebuild their lives with external help. Many lost their hives with honey bee colonies, or the honey bee colonies absconded. Beekeepers have been unable to harvest honey and are missing the funds they need to reconstruct their normal lives.

With your support our hope is that that we can raise £1000.  This money will go directly towards:

-    Replacing hives

-    Giving training on hive making

-    Help with reforestation

Many thanks for your support - Sarthak Munjal.