Assessment of Processes and Challenges of Beekeeping in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the process and challenges of beekeeping in Edo State, Nigeria. Four Local Government Areas were selected based on the presence of beekeepers in the areas. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. A total of 40 respondents were randomly and proportionately selected from the four (4) Local Governments and used for the study. Descriptive statistics were used as analytical tools. The result indicates that all the respondents (100%) were male and, most of them (65%) had 20 colonies and above. Also, most of the beekeepers were in their active and productive age (80%) group, less than 40 years. Shortage of forage, absconding of bees, agrochemicals, high cost of beekeeping equipment, pest, agrochemicals, and theft were some of the major problems militating against beekeeping in the study area. The prevalent pest identified by the beekeepers were wax moth, ants, termites, lizards, and spiders. It was recommended that there should be more training and awareness by extension agents to encourage people to participate in beekeeping in Edo State. Women should be encouraged to participate in beekeeping in Edo State. Government and non-governmental organizations in collaboration with the bee farmers’ cooperative groups should provide improved beekeeping technologies at a subsidized rate to the farmers in order to encourage them. The issue of Wax moth pests reported by farmers should be looked into and control measures suggested. The use of pesticides and herbicides should be discouraged and non-chemical methods of insect and weed control should be encouraged