turns out the African beekeepers I worked with  'work' their hives at night
to avoid stings.  So they go out after dark and rip combs out of the top bar hives. 

That's my understanding of it. Also, the wax has traditionally been the high value product, and it is easier to produce decent wax by crushing than decent honey. Of course, it's doable, especially in the "first world". But in a rustic rural setting with very limited resources, it may not be feasible. Put yourself in their shoes (except they may not own shoes).

PLB

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