Economic Viability of Beekeeping Practices on Income Generation among Smallholder Beekeepers in Sikonge District, Tanzania.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the economic viability of beekeeping practices among smallholder beekeepers in Sikonge District, Tanzania. Despite various poverty alleviation initiatives focusing on crop and livestock systems, rural poverty continues, and thus, call for   alternative income generating activities. Beekeeping as one of the alternative income sources, it provides sustainable livelihood to the rural communities due to its reliance on natural resources such as forests.  This research was conducted in Sikonge district, and it involved a sample of 215 small-scale beekeepers of which 92.1% of participants were male, with 7.9 % female. For the purpose of data triangulation, data collection was collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and direct observation while the focus bees’ products were honey and beeswax production from both traditional and improved beehives. It was revealed that, improved beehives yielded an average of 66,956 litres of honey and 11,337.5 kg of beeswax annually, compared to 48,783 litres and 6,033 kg from traditional beehives. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 4.8 for improved beehives and 4.1 for traditional beehives, highlighting beekeeping's potential as a profitable project. The study highlights the need for an increased participation from women and youth in beekeeping, along with recommendations for financial support and capacity building. Overall, beekeeping emerges as a promising income generating activity for improving rural livelihoods and economic diversification in the region.