A comparative analysis of beekeeping and crop production in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

A comparative analysis of the beekeeping industry and crop production in Adamawa State, Nigeria was conducted to determine the more profitable form of sustainable income for small-scale farmers. Data were collected from 120 traditional beekeepers across the state who engaged in both forms of farming. Farm budgeting analysis and descriptive statistics revealed that beekeeping was a far more profitable and cost effective form of farming among the respondents. The investment return on beekeeping was 9.12 compared to 0.40 for crop production. It is therefore, recommended that apiculture should be adopted by various governments as a strategy towards addressing the issue of low income among the less privileged farmers especially where farm inputs and soil fertility are major problems.