Analysis of information needs of beekeepers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the significant and constant demand for bee products, especially honey, in Nigeria, the production rate is still very low, and there is inadequate information on improved management practices amongst beekeepers. This study presents the assessment of the information needs of beekeepers in Oyo state, Nigeria. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select 235 respondents. Data were obtained with a well structured questionnaire, and analyzed using frequency counts, and the Kendall coefficient of concordance (Kendall’s W). Results show that respondents’ previous access to information concentrated on basic management practices. Respondents lacked information on colony division and improved management practices despite having sufficient experience and awareness of the importance of beeswax. Theft and vandalism, reliance only on other beekeepers as sources of information, and unsuitable or impractical information were the major bottlenecks in information accessibility and utilization amongst the farmers. Kendall’s W indicates that the respondents differed on the areas of beekeeping information needs, and that there was a positive moderate relationship between the information received by the respondents and their management practices. Organized trainings and information dissemination on practical skills on bee colony division, improved colony management practices, apiary pen construction, queen rearing, apitherapy, and swarm catching, in consideration the beekeepers’ local and economic contexts, are recommended.