1.Life is a bit sweeter for Muafak Faris Najem and his family since CARE International, with funding from the European Commission Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), showed him how to raise honeybees at home. Because Muafak has back trouble after he slipped a disc,
he can no longer work as a day labourer and several of his underfed children had become anemic
2.To reach Siris village from the regional office in Jenin and start this project CARE aidworkers go through an Israeli checkpoint A soldier straps a rifle over the protective gear he hastily borrowed before inspecting the hives which are provided by the European Commission Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) [photo by Jaffar Nuirat for CARE/ECHO]
3. What's that strange buzzing sound? Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint thoroughly inspect the beehives and equipment bound for cash-strapped families in Sirisin the West Bank. Care staff loan them protective gear that will be given to the novice beekeepers. The project is funded by the European Commission Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) [ Photo by Jaffar Nuirat for CARE/ECHO]
4. All of the hives provided by the European Commission Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) are thoroughly inspected by young guards at the Israeli checkpoint which lies between Jenin and Siris village in the West Bank. CARE International's staff worry that the honeybees might swarm or the queen get damagedphoto by Jaffar Nuirat for ECHO/CARE
5. The European Commission Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) provided basic equipment and CARE taught Muafak Najem how to run an apiary of six bee hives with his neighbour in Siris village, near Jenin. They produced 72 kg of honey in their first season and added to the family income. Casual employment opportunities have decreased since the Israelis erected a separation barrier and demand permits and inspections before allowing Palestinians to pass through.
6. Some equipment, like this centrifical honey separator, is shared by the 50 fifty local beekeepers who are improving food security in villages around Jenin through the European Commission Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) project, implemented by CARE international.
7. A CARE project manager shows how to make a smokescreen against bee stings before opening the hive. When beekeepers are able to split their hives, local carpenters earn cash by building and selling them additional wooden boxes. The entire community benefits.
8. Muafak Faris Najem, who wears full protective clothing, is eager for expert beekeeping tips from a CARE project manager. Beekeeping requires little land or infrastructure to succeed, and the honey can be stored for years. Women can work alongside the men without breaking tradition.
9. Busy bees hover as the honeycombs are lifted from the hive at the end of summer. After the family s savings were wiped out, the Najems sold off vehicles and livestock in order to pay overdue electricity and water bills. Now they can supplement their sparse income with honey sales.
10. Najem brings four honeycombs at a time for the separation process in a centrifuge. This wildflower honey has a hint of loquat and pomegranate blossoms, and is 25 per cent sweeter than table sugar. By distributing some of the honey to relatives, he also has improved his social status.
11. I used to feel cold all the time, even in summer, but this honey keeps me healthy," says Muafak Faris Najem as he examines a fresh honeycomb. Antioxidants and vitamins in honey supplement the family s two meals per day and the extra calories make a difference.
12. After the honey is extracted, the family retains the beeswax for their own version of aroma therapy. Muafak Faris Najem melts it to scent his bedroom and says it gives him sweet dreams. After he doubles his hives, he can sell wax to candlemakers for a profit.
13. Daughter Majd, 3, waits with her brother and CARE staff while the honey separator whirls. I love honey, ten out of ten! she squeals over the metallic grinding noise.
14. The beekeepers were stung twice this morning, but shrugged it off. Since Egyptian times, honeybee stings have been reputed to help alleviate the symptoms of auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis. After one year working with bees, these Palestinian families already notice improved health.
15. Muafak Faris Najem is eager to learn tips about keeping his bees healthy and parasite-free from CARE's trainer. He regularly attends CARE s seminars for local beekeepers, and hopes to eventually nurture Queen Bees and harvest their royal jelly.
16. Maintenace on beehives is minimal, compared to other food products, which makes it very cost-effective for European funding. CARE's trainer explains that honey is so sweet, bacteria cannot grow on it, yet is dry enough that it won't support yeasts.
17. It can take 8 kg of honey to provide enough energy for a small colony of bees to survive the winter. The honeycombs in Siris are inspected to make sure that enough has been left to sustain the hive. The six hives yielded 72 kg this year.
18. Bee pollen can cost up to Euros 110 per kilo in health food stores, but the family reserves the golden granules for their own use. A trap collects pollen from the bee s knees at each hive s entrance. It tastes a bit bitter, but is more rejuvenating than brewer's yeast or wheat germ. Plus it s great for a good marriage! attests neighbour Ziad Saleem Najem.
19. Before they got their own hives with European Commission Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) assistance , honey was a rare treat for the Najem family in Siris. In the market, honey can sell for up to 12 euros per Kg, plus it can be stored until the price is optimum. The family needn't worry about spoilage if Israeli roadblocks and checkpoints delay transport to market.
20. With his first honey profits, Muafak bought a used refrigerator. It s seen better days, but the back panel seems intact. He'll repair the fridge door and try to plug it in. His youngest children, Moeman and Majd, grin beside the new purchase.