Exploration of Bee keeping as a coping strategy in a deregulated economy

Abstract

This study examined the inputs used in honey production; investigated number ofhives colonized and determined the viability ofhoney production in Oyo State. All eighty-seven registered members ofBeekeepers Association ofNigeria, Oyo State chapter were interviewed through the use of questionnaire. All beekeepers (100%) made use ofbeehive, bee smoker, bee suit, rubber boot, pail andhandgloves; majority ofthe beekeepers (52.5%) colonized between 11 and20 hives and most respondents (65%) collected between 350.7 and 525 liters of honey per season. Almost 98% of the respondents'perceived honey production as a viable venture. From theforegoing, it is recommended that unemployed youths and graduates should be trained on the necessary skills andknowledge requiredfor honey production to make them self-reliant.

Keywords

• Bee keeping
• coping strategy
• deregulated economy