An Economic Analysis of Apiculture Practices in Zambia

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the cost of production, net income and creation of employment in apiculture practices in the Central Province of Zambia. The study aims to find out the type of technology used in honey production, cost of honey production, price of honey, net income and income to investment ratio. Further, it aims to know the employment creation potential, employment to investment ratio and income to employment ratio in apiculture practices. The study revealed that the effect of apiculture practices on net income and employment was positive. The imputed value of family labor was higher in total cost of production and the price of honey sold was the only source of revenue. The income to investment ratio was higher and the cost-output ratio was lower. The employment to investment ratio and the income to employment ratio were higher. The study found several challenges to apiculture practices. These include lack of appropriate beekeeping skills, financial and infrastructure constraints. The study suggested for establishing bee farmers’ co-operative associations for access to loan, marketing, training the beekeeping farmers in using modern techniques of honey production and get inputs from the government and non-government organizations. The study also suggested for the establishment of an accredited certifying institute for national honey standard to sell at premium price within the country and to export.