Beekeeping in Guyana is steadily transforming from a small-scale backyard activity into a structured and expanding agricultural industry, supported by training, innovation, and government-backed initiatives.
Veteran apiculture expert Mr Linden Stewart, who has worked in the sector for more than 40 years, says the industry has come a long way from its early beginnings, when beekeeping was largely informal and limited to hobbyists.
“Beekeeping has evolved significantly,” Stewart said, noting that organised training programmes across several regions have helped farmers transition into commercial honey production.
He explained that early exposure to beekeeping as a child sparked a lifelong interest, eventually leading to decades of work in hive management, training, and industry development across Guyana’s regions.
Today, the sector is supported by structured associations and technical guidance, with beekeepers producing honey on a larger scale and contributing to pollination and rural livelihoods.
However, challenges remain. Industry players point to land availability as a challange as well as imported honey substitutes entering the market, which some stakeholders say affect pricing and consumer trust.
Despite these hurdles, the sector continues to expand, with support from government agencies providing equipment, training, and platforms such as honey festivals to promote local production.
Looking ahead, stakeholders envision apiculture playing a greater role in agritourism and value-added production, including honey-based products and hive experiences for visitors.
With growing investment and interest, beekeeping is increasingly being seen not just as an agricultural activity, but as a key contributor to Guyana’s wider food security and rural economic development.
