Iraq’s Water Shortage Threatens Beekeeping in Basra

Basra, a region once known for its thriving honey production, is now seeing its beekeeping industry struggle as Iraq’s water crisis deepens.

For decades, local farmers relied on the lush palm groves and flowing waterways that supported bee colonies and helped sustain honey production. But with rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and the continued impact of upstream dam projects, the environment is becoming increasingly hostile for bees.

Beekeepers report declining hive numbers and reduced honey yields, with many forced to move their colonies in search of better conditions. Some say the situation has become so severe that traditional honey businesses — once a vital source of income for families in southern Iraq — are at risk of disappearing.

Environmental experts warn that Iraq’s worsening drought not only threatens agriculture but could also disrupt food security and biodiversity across the region. If urgent steps are not taken to manage water resources, Basra’s beekeeping legacy may vanish entirely.