ABSTRACT

The study profitability honey bee production in Umuahia Agricultural Zone specifically considered the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, the costs of return associated with the business, factors that determine profitability as well as constraints associated with it. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 60 respondents which formed the sample size of the study. Analytical look such as sample descriptive statistics, net income statement, ordinary least square regression were employed in handling the data. The result showed that the respondents had a mean age of 43.97 with only 21.7% single and only 14.9% having experience of over 10 years. A total fixed cost of 19,285.83 gave 34.64% of the total cost incurred while the remaining 65.33% was on the variable cost with a net income of N237,297.53. The coefficients of level of education and marital status were positively signed at 5% significant level each while loam amount and cost of baiting materials were negatively signed at 1% significant level each. Major constraints in the business include cost of baiting, transportation, no ready market and low demand. The study therefore recommends better policies of credit facilities into the business as well as plans for good extension services to enlighten the farmers.