Determinants of economic efficiency among small-scale beekeepers in Tabora and Katavi regions, Tanzania: a stochastic profit frontier approach

Abstract

This study applied the stochastic profit frontier model to estimate the economic efficiency of smallscale beekeepers in the Tabora and Katavi regions of Tanzania. The results show that the profit of small-scale beekeepers is determined by changes in the cost of labor and materials such as wire and color paint for beehives. Reducing the cost of these can significantly increase profits in beekeeping production. Small-scale beekeepers were found to be economically efficient, with a mean efficiency of 92%. This implies that there is room for improvement by about 8% without changing the profit frontier. Contacts and follow-up by beekeeping extension officers and access to beekeeping training on improved management practices were the main factors that had a significant influence on the economic efficiency of small-scale beekeepers. Thus, the regular and timely provision of extension services and beekeeping training among beekeepers can improve their practices.ARTICLE HISTORY

Impact of improved beehives technology adoption on honey production efficiency: empirical evidence from Southern Ethiopia

“…Literature shows that the adoption of improved beehives technologies has a positive and significant impact on honey production [7,22,23]. This is an incentive for farmers to adopt or continue with the technology because the return to their efforts on investment is realized, that is, increased productivity [22].…”

The drivers and intensity of adoption of beekeeping in northwest Ethiopia

“…This result is consistent with that of Amulen et al [36] who reported that beekeepers tended to adopt beekeeping following contact with non-government organizations and access to training. According to the findings of Kuboja et al [16], extension contact was the main factor that had a significant influence on the economic efficiency of small-scale beekeepers in Tanzania. In addition, frequency of extension contact significantly determines market outlet choice decision of honey producers [15].…”

“…The profit of small-scale beekeepers is determined by changes in the cost of labor and materials, such as wire and color paint for beehives. In addition, contacts and follow-up by beekeeping extension officers and access to beekeeping training on improved management practices were the main factors that had a significance influence on the economic efficiency of small-scale beekeepers in Tanzania [16]. A study conducted on the determinants of honey producer market outlet choice in Chena District, Southern Ethiopia by employing a multivariate probit regression model revealed that the quantity of honey sold, frequency of extension contact, beekeeping experience, distance to the nearest market, market information about each outlet, cooperative membership, and trust in buyers determine market outlet choice decision of honey producers [15].…”

“…This result agrees with that of Amulen et al [36] who reported that the inability of beekeeping to improve well-being status can in part be attributed to a lack of both training in bee husbandry and protective equipment provision, such as suits, gloves, and smokers. In addition, Kuboja et al [16] reported that access to beekeeping training on improved management practices significantly influences the economic efficiency of small-scale beekeepers in Tabora and Katavi regions of Tanzania.…”

“…The study by [10] showed that purchasing wax from outside their own operations is associated with higher colony loss rates in Austria. Furthermore, several researchers studied various issues related to beekeeping practices and honey production, but none of them examined the determinants of beekeeping adoption and intensity of adoption [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. This study will add to scientific knowledge on the areas of beekeeping research in that it deeply investigates the factors affecting beekeeping adoption and the intensity of adoption.…”