Beekeeping as an income generating activity: a case study of honeybee farmers in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State

One hundred and twenty beekeepers were selected from beekeepers association of Nigeria (BAN) Ibadan, Oyo State. Information on output of honey, number of hives, source of information on bee keeping, constraints etc were sought from the beekeepers. Statistical tools such as frequency distribution, averages, percentages, chi-square Pearson Product Moment Correlation were duly employed in the study. Beekeeping is by two methods; the traditional and the modern beekeeping methods. Various researchers have shown that the traditional methods of honey production are dangerous and unprofitable and this is why it is increasingly becoming unpopular. Hence, the introduction and adoption of the modern beekeeping methods is profitable and most respondents agreed that the practice is not as dangerous as it may seem. Assessment of the profitability of the business shows that it is very worthwhile with a net return of N7,500 per hive per year and average of 16.6kg of honey per hive per year. The major problems were equipment availability, theft, management, lack of credit facilities. The findings emphasize the need to train researchers and extension agents in apiculture so as to generate research findings on bee keeping and to be able to disseminate the knowledge acquired to the beekeepers. (Af J Livestock Extension: 2002 1: 21-27