Archive · 24 Sep 2025
Iraq's Water Crisis Threatens Bees and Honey Production in Basra
Imagine bees making honey in a place called Basra in Iraq.
For a long time, they did well, but things are tough now.
The rivers are becoming salty, and it's very hot.
This makes it hard for bees to find clean water and flowers.
Fewer flowers and bad water means less honey.
Also, the old trees the bees loved are dying.
The water problems are because of a lack of rain and dams.
If things don't improve, there might be no honey made in Basra soon.
Bees in Basra, Iraq are struggling due to water salinity, extreme heat, and drought.
Rising water salinity in the Shatt al-Arab river is harming bees and their environment.
Honey production is expected to decline by up to 50% this season.
Basra once produced around 30 tons of honey a year, but production has declined since 2007-2008.
Decades of conflict and the climate crisis have impacted the bee population.
- Who
- Beekeepers and bees in Basra, Iraq
- What
- Facing challenges in honey production due to a water crisis
- When
- Recent years, with a predicted decline this season
- Where
- Basra, Iraq, along the Shatt al-Arab river
- Why
- Rising water salinity, drought, and extreme heat
- Location
- Basra, Iraq
- Main Issue
- Water Salinity & Drought
- Honey Production Decline (Expected)
- Up to 50% this season
- Peak Honey Production
- Around 30 tons per year
- Honey Production (Past 5 years)
- 12 tons annually
- Bees lost
- Around 2,000 hives lost
- Temperature
- Summer temperatures in Basra reaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit)