Beekeeping project in Helmand

The US and UK armies are promoting beekeeping as an alternative to growing opium. The main challenges are
does the income generated compare well with opium production? maybe if combined with other crops
is there enough pollen in this desert area? yes as it draws on poppies and helps stimulate new planting of trees and crops
are the Taliban a threat? yes, the men turning up to be trained in beekeeping are potential targets for the Taliban as they are cooperating with the West. gives you an idea of how desperate people there are to find a way to earn a living

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XDzjgFlgrE&feature=player_embedded