Stakeholders’ knowledge, attitudes, practices and constraints in the Apiculture value chain in Napak, Buliisa, Kaliro and Kween Districts, Uganda

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine knowledge, attitudes, practices and constraints of beekeeping in Kaliro, Buliisa, Kween and Napak districts. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 89 participants along the apiculture value chain. The respondents included beekeepers, traders and district entomologists. Beekeepers were purposively recruited using farmer data lists obtained from district entomology officers in the department of production. Other stakeholders like traders were identified through extension workers in the selected districts. A pre-tested check list was used to collect data from participants through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data was analyzed thematically and results presented as texts and figures using QDA Miner Lite 2.0.9. Study results revealed that the apiculture value chain is majorly dominated by male actors and simple management, medicinal value of honey and pollination enhancement drove beekeepers to join beekeeping. Beekeepers mainly used traditional hives characterized with low production. There was a knowledge gap in routine apiary management practices which greatly affected production. Farmers had limited knowledge and skills in hive products processing and value addition. Lack of equipment, inadequate production knowledge and skills, poor extension services, bee pests and diseases coupled with limited market for honey products were the major challenges affecting stakeholders in the apiculture value chain. To strengthen beekeeping as an alternative livelihood source, the study recommends bridging of existing production and marketing knowledge gaps through partnerships between government and non-government development actors. Farmer group formation should be encouraged to enable collective marketing and access to financial support.