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Resource Use Efficiency in Beekeeping Using Modern Beehives: A Case of Sikonge District, Tabora - Tanzania
Abstract
This study revealed detailed information concerning resource use efficiencies using modern beehives essential in planning to improve yield and profit of beekeeping in Sikonge District. Choices made by a beekeeper to use what and how much resources in beekeeping vary among beekeepers basing on availability of the resource itself. This study analysed the resource use efficiency in beekeeping activities in Sikonge District. The specific objective for this study was to evaluate resource use efficiency of beekeeping using modern beehives. Data was collected by semi-structured questionnaire, key informants’ interview, focus group discussion and direct field observation. This study was done in four wards; Chabutwa, Tutuo, Kipanga and Kiloleli. The wards were randomly selected out of the 15 wards of Sikonge District. Descriptive statistics were obtained using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer programme as analytical tool. Results revealed that the number of beehives and number of man-days for hired labour were underutilised with resource use efficiency coefficient (r) values of 1.5 and 121 respectively while family labour man-days were over utilised (r = -91.82). It is recommended that beekeepers in Sikonge utilize the available resources optimally to maximize yield and profit of their beekeeping activities.