PRODUCTION LEVEL AND UTILIZATION OF HONEY BEE (Apis mellifera) AND ITS PRODUCTS IN AKURE SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

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.