Awareness of modern apiculture/apicultural practices: a case study of rural farmers in Ido local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined awareness of modern apiculture and adoption of apicultural practices among rural farmers in ldo local Government area of Oyo State. Levels of awareness of modern apiculture and its adoption were considered. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted in the selection of wards, villages and respondents for the study. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square test. The chi-square results at p>0.05 for variables tested reveal that there exist significant relationships among awareness of apiculture and apicultural practices such as different types of hives and their adoption by farmers. Also, the study revealed that there existed a significant relationship between level of education attained by farmers and adoption of modern apicultural practices. The result further revealed that electronic media was the highest information source (50%) among rural farmers, while general awareness of modern apiculture and adoption was 83.3%. Problems identified were inadequate awareness of technologies in modern apicultural activities and finance. The study therefore recommends the training of extension agents and equipping them for adequate information dissemination on apiculture and apicultural practices to raise awareness level among rural farmers. Also, the National Directorate of Employment should include apiculture in its training scheme.

Keywords: apiculture, apicultural practices

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol 3(1) 2005: 81-88