Socio-Economic Profiles of Beekeeping Farmers in Marigat, Baringo County – Kenya

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

Socio-Economic Profiles of Beekeeping Farmers in Marigat, Baringo County – Kenya

Chemwok C. K¹, Tuitoek D. K², Nganai S. K.^2
1University of Eldoret, Kenya
²Moi University, Kenya
Corresponding Author: CHEMWOK C. K

Abstract: – Knowledge of demographic characteristics of farmers is very critical in the design, implementation and review of policies geared towards adoption of new technologies by farmers. This study was set to establish the demographic profiles of bee keeping farmers in Marigat, Baringo County. The paper estimated the mean, median, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, Skewness, kurtosis, Jarque-Bera and probability of each demographic variable. The results are presented below. The paper recommends policy makers to consider demographic characteristics of beekeeping farmers when designing policies.

Keywords: Beekeepers, demographic characteristics, Marigat, Kenya

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Beekeeping is one of the more universal agricultural activities. 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).

II. THE STUDY AREA

Marigat is in Baringo County and was purposively selected for this particular study because it is one of the favourable areas for honey production in Kenya. Other areas that produce honey include Kitui, Machakos and North Eastern. Honey production is expected to have alleviated poverty levels because of its favourable climatic condition, abundant natural flora, non application of agro-chemicals, rich indigenous knowledge of local people, huge honey market locally and internationally.
Marigat covers an area of 1,677.4 km2 (KNBS, 2009). It borders Baringo Central constituency to the west, Mogotio constituency to the south, Laikipia and Nyahururu constituencies to the east and east Pokot (Tiaty) constituency to the north east.

Read More