A bibliography on CD-ROM that lists almost all publications that have been written about bees, bee science, beekeeping, hive products etc, for each Commonwealth country in the tropics.

This unique report involving 105 contributors from 26 countries provides invaluable information concerning livestock keeping and poverty alleviation in developing countries.

Bees pollinate a wide range of flowers and plants and by so doing provide the seed for the next harvest. Pollination services are an important source of income in industrial countries, and the practice is gaining merit wherever commercial farming is encouraged. More practically, however, a colony of bees provides food and income for a family. Honey and wax find ready markets in local communities. Honey is the basis for a range of sweeteners, drinks, medicines and foods, and a well-managed hive can provide 30 kg or more annually. Wax is widely used as an industrial feedstock for candle-making, polish and other products.

This volume provides basic information about managing wild bees and on the use of their products. It identifies and describes major bee species and their importance for nature conservation and for sustaining livelihoods of rural people. Bee products are considered at both subsistence and commercial level, and particular attention is given to the potential for further development of managing wild been species in developing countries. The role of bees for pollination of crops and the impact of managing bees on forestry and farming are presented. Wild-bee keeping techniques, honey production and marketing, and the international trade in been products are described with further references and sources of additional information given. Using this publication, readers will better understand the complexities and opportunities for developing apiculture by rural livelihoods. Also published in French.