Beekeeping plays a key role in the rural economy. According to 2012 statistics, Madagascar has 10,300 beekeepers and around 100,000 hives. Production for export fluctuates widely in Madagascar.

 

In 2014, Madagascar exported 93 tonnes of honey, compared with 87 tonnes in 2019, rising to 180 tonnes in 2021. For 2022, there was a drop. For 2024, the EDBM estimates honey production at 4,000 tonnes. Beekeeping can be practised in 16 of Madagascar's 23 regions, the only condition being the presence of a forest nearby.

Given that beekeeping and honey production represent an opportunity, the members of the Soa Network are actively committed to promoting this sector. In February 2024, technicians and producers from two associations in the Analamanga region received training, as did three associations in the Diana region.

This training session was made possible with the support of the FFF FAO. The objective of the FFF is to set up a network and a production chain based on forest resources, this year focusing on beekeeping, in order to create opportunities for the creation of small businesses in rural areas.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Message from the Bishops at the end of the Pilgrimage

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, You who have come in such large numbers to take part in this national pilgrimage, as well as all of you who are following it from home through the media. We, the bishops of Madagascar, would like to express our deep gratitude to you for having responded to our invitation and for having brought this jubilee initiated by Pope Francis to life spiritually. With you, we take up Mary's song: ‘My soul exalts the Lord’ and we repeat with her: ‘What shall I repay the Lord for all the good he has done me?’....

Read more ...

Love and Salvation

Christmas is a great joy, because it is the love of God that has come to us, proclaims Fr. Bizimana Innocent, Provincial Superior of the Salesians Don Bosco of Madagascar and Mauritius, presenting his Christmas greetings. Salvation is accomplished, so life is not in danger of disappearing. It is this love and this salvation that we wish to fill our life so that we have peace.

Read more ...

Zatti, our brother

The short film "Zatti, our brother" (Argentina, 2020) focuses on one of the most difficult episodes of his life. We are in Viedma, in 1941: at the age of 60, Zatti is forced to leave the hospital he has attended for decades. His faith and strength are tested.

Read more ...