Adoption of Modern Beekeeping Technology among Smallholder Beekeepers in Selected villages of Mpanda District, Tanzania

Abstract

The Government of Tanzania recognizes the untapped potential of beekeeping industry in the country. Efforts have been made to promote and support modern beekeeping technology especially in areas with high potential for beekeeping. Little is known about adoption of the modern beekeeping techniques. In April 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two villages of Mpanda district to assess the determinants of adoption of modern beehives among smallholder beekeepers. A total of 210 beekeepers (105 adopters and 105 non-adopters of modern beehives) were enrolled in the study. Predictors of adoption of modern technology of beekeeping were assessed using a Logit model. Results show that the odds for adopting modern beekeeping technology increased with age of the household head (p = 0.029), the level of education i.e. secondary education or higher (p = 0.041), access to technical support services (p = 0.05), access to credits (p = 0.022), involvement in beekeeping for ten or more years (p =0.047), involvement in off-farm activities (p =0.000), and availability of market for bee products (p = 0.003). Further, results show that on average, adopters had higher yield of honey than non-adopters (16kg vs. 7kg per colony per annum). Consequently, the average income of adopters was 2.3-fold higher that of non-adopters (t = -10.1, p<0.000) The findings underscore the need to increase awareness and leverage interventions on improved technology as a means to improve the overall social well-being among smallholder beekeepers. Such interventions should take into account the socio-economic characteristics that influence the adoption of the modern beekeeping technology.