An Empirical Analysis of Honey Value Addition Decisions among Smallholder Beekeepers in Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

Honey value addition is widely recognised as a critical pathway for enhancing smallholder beekeepers’ income, market access and value chain upgrading in arid and semi-arid lands. Despite Baringo County’s strong potential for apiculture, most beekeepers continue to sell honey in raw form, limiting returns and access to higher-value markets. This study empirically examines the factors influencing smallholder beekeepers’ decisions to engage in honey value addition in Baringo South Sub-County. Primary data were collected from 197 randomly selected beekeepers using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a Probit regression model were employed to analyse the determinants of participation in honey value addition. The results reveal that age, education level, beekeeping experience, quantity of honey harvested, group membership and distance to the market significantly influence value addition decisions. The study recommends policies that strengthen producer organisations, improve market infrastructure and support productivity enhancement to enable smallholders to participate more effectively in value-added honey markets.

Keywords

• Value addition
• honey
• smallholder beekeepers
• Probit model
• Baringo County

Supporting Institution

Egerton University

Project Number

[phone]

Ethical Statement

Data collection began following clearance from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI).

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