Farmers are abandoning animals for bees, the reasons why the number of beehives is increasing

Farmers are increasingly shifting from livestock to beekeeping due to lower costs and higher profits.

While the number of livestock heads has almost halved over the decade, the number of beehives has increased by 105% between 2014 and 2024, according to official INSTAT data.

The total number of beehives in our country during 2024 reached 587.3 thousand, up from 518.7 thousand in 2023 or 13.21% more.

The data shows that Vlora is the region with the highest growth. The number of beehives in this region, from 70.54 thousand in 2023, reached 103.52 thousand in 2024, with an increase of 46.75%.

After Vlora, the regions with significant growth were Durrës with 20%, Dibra with 17%, Fier with 15%, Lezha with 13%, Korça with 9%. In all regions, the number of beehives increased in 2024, except for Gjirokastra which had a slight decrease of 0.2%.

The shift of Albanian farmers from traditional livestock farming (cows, sheep, goats) towards beekeeping is a trend as, according to farmers, beekeeping is more attractive and less risky.

Gëzim, a beekeeper in Tropoja with over 160 hives, says that beekeeping requires less initial investment and can be managed even by a small family with few workers. A beekeeper can successfully manage dozens of hives on their own, while livestock farming requires large areas of pasture, stables, permanent employees, and feed costs are high.

A hive produces significant amounts of honey, up to 15 kg, and other products such as propolis, pollen, and wax, the prices of which increase on the market every year.

The farmer said that the livestock sector is more tiring and requires constant commitment and is less suitable for families where young people have emigrated, while beekeeping is more flexible, allows time for other activities and is easier to manage by older people.

Compared to livestock farming, beekeeping does not have intensive needs for veterinary services or constant health checks.

At a time when agriculture and livestock are facing major challenges, beekeeping is being considered a promising and easier alternative for Albanian farmers to afford./ Monitor