Economics of beekeeping enterprise in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the economics of beekeeping enterprise in Owerri west Local Government area, Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of beekeepers, evaluate the
cost and returns of beekeeping enterprises, determine the factors affecting the net returns of beekeeping enterprise and to identify the constraints faced by beekeepers. The major constraints faced by the beekeepers included: adulteration of products, inadequate credit facility, fear of bee stung, availability of tools and equipment, theft and vandalism, while the major problems militating against effective marketing of bee products include: inadequate information, transportation problem, inadequate packaging materials, high cost of products and adulteration of products. The net profit of beekeepers was evaluate the cost and returns of beekeeping enterprises and determine the factors affecting the net returns of beekeeping enterprise evaluate the cost and returns of beekeeping enterprises and determine the factors affecting the net returns of beekeeping enterprise N1,256.600.00 and the rate ROR was 1:1.05, showing that the enterprise was a profitable one. household size, Education level, contact with extension agents, number of hives, and depreciation were positive and significant at 5% and 10%, while gender and age were negatively significant at 10%. Beekeeping industry is very lucrative and profitable, therefore more awareness, provision of credit facility, provision of tools and equipment and better extension service should be made available by the government, agricultural development programmes and non-governmental organizations.