International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue IV, April 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Types of Hives Used By Bee Keepers in Marigat Baringo County- Kenya

Chemwok C. K^1*, Tuitoek D. K² and Nganai S. K.^2
 1University of Eldoret, Kenya
²Moi University, Kenya
^*Corresponding Author

Abstract:- Beekeeping is one of the more universal agricultural activities. The study sought to identify the main types of beehives used by bee keepers in Marigat, Baringo County. The main types of hives are Traditional log hive, improved log hive, Kenya Top Bar hive and Langstroth hives. Majority of the farmers use traditional log hives. This may be caused by the fact that traditional log hives provide cool temperatures for the bees that normally prevail in the study area. The modern hives requires additional cost for construction of grass-thatched shelter to avoid high temperatures that make the bees avoid the modern hives being promoted as new technology.

Key Words: Bee Keeping, Modern Bee Hives, Marigat, Traditional Log Hive and improved traditional log hives.

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Beekeeping is one of the more universal agricultural activity. Bees are found all over the world (Adjare, 1990). Bees work a dual agricultural role by both producing honey and aiding in the pollination of flowering crops. Although much work has focused on improving the practice of beekeeping, it is still possible to manage beehives at a very low level of technological and capital input. Their cosmopolitan distribution, multipurpose nature and relative simplicity in management combine to make bees a natural agricultural supplement for many types of farm systems, (Bradbear, Fisher and Jackson, 2002).
Beekeeping is thriving in cities across the world driven by young hobbyists, commercial beekeepers, sideliners and green entrepreneurs (Adjare, 1990). The People’s Republic of China is the world leader in honey production and by a significant factor in 2008, with an estimated production of 257,800 metric tonnes (mt). Argentina is estimated to have produced 85,000 mt in 2008, up 6.25 percent from the 2007 volume of 80,000 mt (Table1.1). The majority of that country’s production is exported, with their key markets being the United States of America (USA). and Germany, which accounted for 75 percent of Argentina’s total shipments.