Economics Of Honey Production In Nigeria: Implications For Poverty Reduction And Rural Development

Abstract

Promotion of rural income generating activities continues to gain widespread support in rural development discourse in developing countries. Honey production has been identified as having the potential to provide employment and reduce poverty among rural households in Nigeria. This paper analyzes the economics of honey production in Oyo state, Nigeria. The analysis builds on survey data collected in 2006, from selected beekeepers in five local government areas of the state. The result indicates that honey production is very profitable with a gross income of 890 naira per litre (US $7) and 4888 naira per man-day (US $ 41) on average. Econometric analysis shows that number of hives, labour and fixed assets have significant impact on honey output. It is recommended that appropriate policies should be targeted at encouraging the participation of rural dwellers in beekeeping and providing accessible credit to beekeepers to reduce poverty and foster rural development.

Keywords: honey production, poverty reduction, rural development

Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (2) 2007: pp. 23-29