Ecological and Socio_Economic Values of Honey Bee Farming in Uganda

Abstract

The research was solely a literature review of the ecological and socio-economic values of bee keeping in Uganda. The general objective of the study was to examine the values of the various products and services of honey bees and honey bee farming in Uganda. The research project was done by five research students including four males and one female. The information reviewed was collected from the internet using tree databases namely Google scholar, Jstor, and Springer. From the study, it was found that bee keeping is practiced all over the world and is significant in countries like United states of America, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa to mention a few. Uganda is one of the countries with a huge potential for beekeeping given the prevailing suitable ecological conditions and floral diversity. Areas with existing floral resources are highly suitable for bee keeping in the country. The most important service honey bees render to mankind is pollination of agricultural and forest crops. Bees indirectly but significantly contribute to food security since they account for a large proportion of the pollination of major food crops. Bees maintain earth’s biodiversity. Bee keeping can enhance food security, and generate income to sustain livelihood, alleviate poverty, and generate revenue. Bee keeping is a traditional occupation subject to many taboos and superstitions. However, despite the immense ecological, social and economic contributions of bees, honey bee keeping is an under adopted agricultural practice in Uganda. To enhance the adoption of bee farming in the country, several interventions may be taken. Uganda government, agencies, and cooperatives should actively engage through funding, giving loans, and providing training and extension services to promote honey bee farming in Uganda.