The Value Chain Of Honey In Bukombe District In Shinyanga Region Of Tanzania

ABSTRACT

A study on honey value chain was conducted at Bukombe district in Shinyanga region. Data collection was from September to December 2012 which was the honey flows period for the second harvest. Structured household questionnaires and face to face interview were used in primary data collection. Specifically, the study intended to: (i) determine profitability and market share of honey actors (ii) map the value chain actors of honey in the study area and (iii) evaluate the factors influencing production and supply of honey to the market. The study analytical tool was Gross Margin which used to determine profitability and market share among value chain actors. Multiple regression model was another methods used to evaluate the factors influencing the production and supply of honey to the market. The findings in this study show that the value chain for honey in Bukombe is composed of five main actors that are producers, assemblers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. In general the study also found Profit margin received by value chain actors ranges from TZS 400 to TZS 2000 per kilogram of honey. Most Beekeepers (99%) produce honey using traditional log and bark hives. Results from Multiple Regression Analysis shows distance to the nearest market was the highest predictor of production and supply of honey at p< 0.05. Education level was also significant at (p< 0.05). The number of years in honey production (experience) had a significant positive relationship with the supply of honey at p< 0.05. The beekeeper‟s major problems influencing the production and supply of honey found from this study are lack of bee management skills accounting (78.72%), insufficient visits by beekeeping personnel/extension officer (93.3%) and Lack of working equipments iii (29%). The study concludes that the value chain for honey in Bukombe Tanzania was characterized by low value addition.