Profitability of Zimbabwe Apiculture: A Comparative Analysis of Improved and Traditional Hives

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.