Assessment of Honey Bee Production Systems and Management in Benue State

This study assesses honey bee production systems, management practices, and the socioeconomic contribution of beekeeping enterprises in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Benue State's rich floral resources from its diverse vegetation cover and agricultural landscapes support significant honey bee populations and create substantial beekeeping opportunities. Honey and beeswax production provide income diversification for farming households, while bees contribute to crop pollination services in the state's intensive fruit and vegetable production areas. This study uses a mixed-method design, combining a survey of 80 active beekeepers in Gboko, Makurdi, and Otukpo local government areas with a market value chain analysis. Hive types, colony management practices, honey extraction and quality, market channels, and enterprise economics are assessed. Hive inspection procedures document colony health and productivity. Findings reveal that traditional log hive systems account for 62 percent of colonies, with Kenya top-bar and Langstroth hives at 28 and 10 percent respectively. Annual honey yields average 8 kilograms per Langstroth hive, 4 kilograms per Kenya top-bar hive, and 2.8 kilograms per traditional log hive, demonstrating the productivity advantage of modern hive designs. Varroa mite infestation is emerging as a significant colony health threat, particularly in Langstroth hives. Honey prices range from 2,000 to 4,500 naira per kilogram depending on quality and market channel. The study recommends a Benue State beekeeping development programme focusing on modern hive adoption, Varroa management training, and quality honey market development.

Keywords: beekeeping, honey production, Benue State, hive management, enterprise economics.