Influence of Socio Economic Variables on Output of Honey in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research portrays the influence of socio economic variables on the output of honey in Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria. Specific analytical techniques employed were descriptive statistics, Likert rating scale and multiple regression analysis involving the linear, Cobb Douglass, semi log and exponential functional forms. Result from the socio economic characteristics shows that greater percentage of males (76.67%) were involved in bee keeping than their female counterpart (23.33%). Mainstream of the Apiculturist adopted the modern techniques of honey production. The significant socio economic variables influencing the output of honey in Ikwuano LGA were access to credit, Bee farmer’s experiences in Apiculture, gender of the Apiculturist, farm assets, family labour and baiting materials. Lack of access to credit facilities ranked the topmost constraints bee farmers encounter in their enterprises. It is recommended that Bee farmers be encouraged to expand their production by increasing their number of hives; this will reduce their aggregate cost of production and increase their total accruable revenue. Additionally, the government and ministry of agriculture, as well as other agencies should provide credit facilities to Bee farmers in order to increase their scale of production.