10 09, 2019

Beekeeping is the practice of honey-bee rearing in man-made hives, by humans. It is a practice which combines the knowledge of the biology and behaviour of bees with that of their surrounding environment, and the use of suitable equipment to produce honey and other products that the bee hive produces including Beeswax, Propolis, Flower pollen, Bee pollen, Royal jelly et cetera .

 

Beekeeping is also called apiculture and a beekeeper an apiarist .Beekeeping sector makes a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of people in Nigeria from house-hold to federal level in terms of economic generation, food security, health, general wellbeing, employment and agricultural development. Beekeeping is an agribusiness that can be ventured into with some of the following benefits;

·        Beekeeping can be done by small holder or even landless peasants to improve their standard of living.

·        The equipment used in beekeeping can be produced from locally available materials.

·        The products gotten from this bees, are things enjoyed and used by everyone

·        Beekeeping requires minimal space and can be practiced on waste lands.

·        Beekeeping can be done by men, women, and even older children. Most of the  work in the enterprise can be done at home

·        Nectar and pollen sources by bees are not used by other livestock. So there is no competition for the nectar/pollen with any other organism.

·        High income is made from products of beekeeping due to the value of products.

 

Setting up of a modern beekeeping venture

         Several steps are involved in setting up a modern beekeeping venture, this steps includes

·        Assembling of beekeeping equipment

                     Equipment that are used for beekeeping are to be purchased for ease, this equipment includes; Beehive, Bee suit, Bee veil, Smoker, Hive tools and Extractor.

·        Selecting a site for the beekeeping

                      The site for a beekeeping venture is of great importance for optimum productivity. Some of the points to consider includes

                                  i.            It should be locate near area of abundant nectar or pollen producing plants.

                               ii.            It should be a place that has good air circulation.

                             iii.            It should have enough wind breaks and sufficient shades to ensure a conducive environment for the bees.

                             iv.            It should be near a source of clean water.

                               v.            It should have protection from pesticides and vandalism.

·        Stocking the Beehive

                       For the beehive to be stocked, a bee swarm is attracted and this can be done by either;

                               i.            Capturing swarm clusters on tree branches

                             ii.            Buying established bee colony.

 

HIVE MANAGEMENT

Points to consider in hive management includes

·        Stocking your hive

·        Hive inspection

·        Swarm control/prevention

·        Pest and disease prevention and control