Balad team helps Iraqi women learn beekeeping trade

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberley Harrison
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Combat Camera
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) --  The local buzz around Balad isn't just about a new agricultural development program, it's also literal.

A beekeeper taught Iraqi women and families how to care for bees during a three-day class in Yethrib, a sub-district of Balad, to help spur economic independence and benefit local agriculture.

In a small room of a village house, Franklin Johnson, a United States Department of Agriculture agricultural advisor, and Sara Aziz, a Department of State interpreter, joined seven burqa-draped women sitting cross-legged on rugs awaiting a honeybee lecture.

Local villager and 18-year beekeeper Alahin Aziz Saleh served as the training instructor.

During the program, Mr. Saleh taught the women many beekeeping techniques including breeding practices, how to breed hybrids, mating behaviors, and how to care for the hives.

"This is a livelihood for them," Mr. Saleh said. "Now they have an idea and can learn and pass on to other members of their family."

Through a cost-share program, teaming Mr. Johnson and the Iraq Women and Widad Mohammed Hasan, the Widow's Non-Government Office director, this program was specifically designed to give women the ability to create additional money-making opportunities for their families.

"We're working with Widad on this project because she wanted to support the local women," Mr. Johnson said. "She came to me originally with the idea of beekeeping and I supported her to do this program."

The art of beekeeping is not new to Iraq, however this is the first program of its kind in this area and it will continue throughout the year.

"The Balad area has a rich agricultural history," said Lt. Col. Michael Weiss, the civil engagement director for the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. "Joint Base Balad (Airmen work) with and supports the Provincial Reconstruction Team in their efforts to expand the types of agricultural programs here and provide more opportunities for women."

Taking on a task once regarded as a "man's job" will not be easy.

The women will have one year from the completion of formal training to receive on-the-job experience by working with the bees, getting comfortable with them and ultimately, if they feel they are ready, accepting the responsibility of starting their own beekeeping, honey-making business.

While talking to the women, Mr. Saleh placed significant emphasis on the importance of being comfortable around the bees and not making quick, sudden movements, especially if they get stung.

"The women need to be comfortable around the bees," Mr. Saleh said. "It's important not to get stung, or if you do, learn how to deal with the sting because the reaction may cause damage to the hives and to the bees."

If the bees sting, they die, which means less bees, less honey and less money.

Mr. Johnson said this is a great opportunity because there is a high demand for honey.

"There are many direct and indirect impacts from this project, but the direct impact is to try to create an alternate economy for families to try to build their capacity to produce a marketable product they can sell," Mr. Johnson said.

Bees are essential to the local agriculture for their pollinating abilities. Program participants benefit because the agricultural resources increase.

Not all the women in training may choose to continue, whether because of allergies or nerves, but there are other ways to contribute.

"We want to get the women involved in training," Mr. Johnson said. "With everyone working together, whether it's beekeeping or planting flowers for the bees, it's going to benefit their community."