Climate change reduces honey production in North KivuCEFR B1
14 Apr 2026
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Ryan Waring, Unsplash
Climate change is reducing honey production in parts of North Kivu, around the city of Butembo. In Ndando, about 10 kilometres south of Butembo, beekeeper Mwanzi Zephanie found most of her roughly ten hives empty after more than three decades of work. She said this was the first year this had happened; earlier, honey was plentiful from April to July.
Local traders report higher prices: 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 for many people and reduces income for producers.
Experts link the drop to irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts and an unpredictable climate that leave few flowers and little nectar. Unknown insects are also attacking hives and some bees are leaving. Armed conflict in North Kivu adds to the problem: insecurity and mass displacements prevent producers from accessing some honey-producing areas and reduce the capacity to tend hives and collect honey.
Difficult words
- climate change — Long-term changes in weather patterns worldwide
- beekeeper — A person who keeps and cares for bees
- hive — A structure where bees live and make honeyhives
- nectar — Sweet liquid in flowers that bees collect
- drought — A long period with little or no raindroughts
- displacement — Forced movement of people from their homesdisplacements
- insecurity — A situation with risk, danger or instability
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could beekeepers try to cope with fewer flowers and less nectar in their area?
- What problems might families face when honey becomes less affordable? Give one or two reasons.
- In your opinion, what local or community actions could help producers who cannot access honey areas because of insecurity?
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