Abstract:
This study examined the management practice of beekeeping, production level of bee products,
utilization of bee products and constraints facing beekeeping in Akure South Local Government.
Random sampling method was used to select fifty bee farmers in the study area and questionnaire
was administered to them. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results revealed
that the beekeepers practiced modern system of beekeeping (76%) and started the business by
baiting and attracting the swarm into their hives (50%). Also, honey has the highest production
rate per harvest of more than 15kg followed by crude beewax with 2 to 5kg while propollis and
pollen produced less than 1kg. Honey also has the highest frequency of production in a year as
compared to other bee products. The study also revealed that honey is used mainly for food
(37.1%), crude beewax is used mostly for cosmetics (44.6%), propolis is used mostly for medicine
(41.8%), pollen is used mostly for medicine (43.1%) and bee is used mostly for medicine (64.7%).
Furthermore, the study revealed constraints to beekeeping revealing high cost of modern hives and
accessories to have the highest mean (4.44). Beekeeping is a capital-intensive venture but has high
profit margin if managed properly with the right set of equipment, knowledge and input.
