Abstract:
Honey production in Zimbabwe is low against domestic demand for consumption and
industry. There is scarce research information on productivity and viability of beekeeping
projects in Zimbabwe. The study was carried out in Chipinge district which is in high rainfall
areas of Zimbabwe. The overall objective of the study was to establish productivity and
viability of apiculture in Zimbabwe, while comparing improved and traditional hives. Data
were collected from 59 beekeepers that were randomly selected from a sampling frame of 70
beekeepers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics,
non-parametric test and gross margin analysis. The findings revealed that apiculture projects
in Zimbabwe are productive and viable. The mean percentage of colonised hives/mean hive
occupancy was 65.43% and 77.76% for traditional and Kenyan Top Bar (KTB) hives
respectively, and KTB hives had significantly more hives colonised (P ˂0.05). The average
annual gross income for KTB hives of US$ 572.28 was significantly higher (P ˂0.05) than
the average gross income of traditional hives of US$ 286.19. Mean total variable costs of
US$ 89.69 and US$ 77.48 for KTB and traditional hives respectively were not significantly
different (P ˃0.05). Both hive types had positive gross profit per hive of US$ 28.06 for
Kenyan Top Bar (KTB) hives and US$ 10.81 for traditional hives. However, KTB hives had
significantly higher mean gross profit per hive than traditional bee hives (P˂0.05). The
researcher recommends working on improving hive productivity, gross incomes and gross
profits. Also, the researcher recommends robust adoption of KTB hive technology which has
better financial returns. A deliberate government policy and finance programme can improve
use of KTB hives and improve hive yield and incomes. Also, the researcher recommends
adoption of ways to reduce variable costs. Group level strategies for coordinated transport
and purchase of some inputs can reduce costs. In conclusion, apiculture enterprises in
Zimbabwe are productive and viable.
