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.

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