Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
them or tell the world how well they work. Hobbyists are as essential to the beekeeping
world as the largest of honey farmers.
Beekeeping for the disabled
I firmly believe that many disabled people could enjoy beekeeping. Obviously this
would depend on the extent of their disability but, for those in wheelchairs, for example,
low hives (such as the Dartington hive, in which the combs go horizontally rather than
upwards in supers) or African long hives (which work on the same principle) may be
used. One disabled gentleman asked me about the Spanish Layens hive, which he
thought would be suitable for him. These are a single box with a hinged lid, and he
found that, even in his wheelchair, he could manage them. I sent him the plans and he
got on with it.
There are several very successful projects in developing countries that have targeted
disabled people and introduced them to commercial beekeeping. The projects run by
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have been very successful.
Beekeeping associations and courses
In most countries, hobby beekeepers are generally the life and soul of local associations.
They are the ones who organize the social gatherings and talks, and many become
involved in arranging beekeeping courses. For the beginner, these courses are well worth
attending, not least because you may find that you don't really like beekeeping after all,
and so you can leave the scene before committing any money.
Most associations offer courses at various levels and, because you can never stop
learning about beekeeping, you can take courses to a very high level.
In the UK there is a qualification known as the NDB, or National Diploma in
Beekeeping. I have seen the syllabus for this and have talked to several beekeepers who
have passed the exam and, as a graduate and postgraduate myself, I can't understand
why it isn't called a degree. The amount of knowledge needed to pass it is certainly more
than that required by some of the degrees I have come across. In my opinion it is very
typical of the UK not to do so.
