The health and economic dimensions of honey production in Imo state, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted on honey production in Imo state of Nigeria, with a focus on the health and economic dimensions of the industry. The research was carried out using a multi-stage sampling procedure, and a sample size of 80 honey-producer respondents was selected. Data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that honey producers in the area had a mean age of 51 years, 11 years of education, 21 years of farming/bee-keeping experience, and a household size of 6 persons. The average annual household income was €709.10, with a farm size/number of hives kept of 72 hives per farmer and a quantity of honey produced per annum of 145 litres. The cost and returns analysis showed that the cost of production of honey per litre and profit per litre were €0.40 and €2.40, respectively. The study also determined the nutritional uses and health benefits of honey (e.g. healing wounds, treating ulcers, controlling sore throats and colds, boosting immunity, and as an antibacterial agent). Several factors, including uncontrolled bush burning, bee forage shortage, deforestation, theft of beehives, colony absconding, and poor agricultural practices which strongly constrain honey production has been observed. It is concluded that honey production is a very profitable venture with numerous uses and health benefits and venturing youths into honey production as a source of livelihood should be encouraged, and extension education should be tailored to technologies in beekeeping and the identification of genuine honey to minimize the success of adulteration, among others.