Climate change reduces honey production in North KivuCEFR A2
14 Apr 2026
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Ryan Waring, Unsplash
In North Kivu, near the city of Butembo, honey production has fallen. In Ndando, about 10 kilometres south of Butembo, beekeeper Mwanzi Zephanie found most of her hives empty after more than three decades of work and about ten or so hives. She said this was the first year this has happened. Previously, honey was abundant, especially from April to July.
Irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts and an unpredictable climate have left few flowers and little nectar. Unknown insects are also attacking hives and some bees are leaving. Traders report that a litre of honey that sold for USD 7 in the first half of 2025 is trading at USD 10–12 in the first half of 2026. The price rise makes honey less affordable and affects local food security and livelihoods.
Difficult words
- beekeeper — a person who keeps bees for honey
- hive — a structure where bees live and make honeyhives
- nectar — sweet liquid from flowers that bees eat
- drought — a long period with little or no raindroughts
- affordable — not too expensive for many people
- livelihood — a way to earn money and livelivelihoods
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think honey became more expensive for local people?
- What problems do empty hives create for a beekeeper?
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