Browsing by Author "Nyawali, Bechani"
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- ItemStructure, conduct and performance of honey markets in Zambia’s dryland forests(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Nyawali, Bechani; Ham, Cori; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Forest and Wood Science.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research study assessed the commodity value chain structure, conduct and performance in relation to honey markets in Zambia’s dryland forest. The objectives were to (a) identify stakeholder’s strategic activities influencing honey markets, (b) assess the demand and supply of honey and bee products, (c) assess effects of the structure of the value chain on markets, and (d) to evaluate the distribution of revenue, costs and profit margin along the value chain. Field surveys were conducted to gather information from 164 stakeholders identified as beekeepers, honey hunters, processors, transporters, wholesalers, retailers, consumers, donors, input suppliers, training institutions and regulatory authorities. Results indicated that there was a disparity between the years of experience and production volume amongst beekeepers. Older beekeepers with more years of experience used traditional “local style” bark beehives that produced low output volumes while younger beekeepers with less years of experience made use of “modern style”, manufactured, Kenya Top Bar hives that produced substantially (p < 0.05) more honey. In the Kitwe district, significantly more honey (p < 0.05) was supplied to markets in a longer value chain dominated by modern style beekeepers than in the Kapiri Mposhi district where a shorter value chain was dominated by local style beekeepers. The difference was attributed to lower honey volumes for Kapiri Mposhi producers than Kitwe. In addition, Kitwe’s profit margin per litre of honey was distributed across all the stakeholders, with the greater share of profit received by wholesalers while in Kapiri Mposhi retailers received the largest profit margin. Honey output could potentially increase in Zambia if the disparity between experience and output was addressed and financial support given to more experienced honey producers that would enable them to modernise their style of beekeeping. Alternatively, young honey entrepreneurs should be cultivated who are receptive to modern techniques and dynamic in marketing. The Kitwe value chain also illustrated that better organisation along the value chain will increase production and shift beekeeping from a subsistence focus (as observed at Kapiri Mposhi) to a more commercial focus.