2026 Vol-6 Issue-2 | ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING BEE FARMING IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the factors affecting bee farming in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, it determined the factors affecting bee farmers, examined their training needs, and identified the sources of information available to them. The study adopted a multistage sampling technique to select the study areas, while a census approach was used to include all 104 active bee farmers identified in the selected communities. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that poor access to training (97.1%), theft and vandalism (98.1%), inaccessibility to modern beekeeping equipment (96.2%), bush burning and other environmentally damaging practices (97.1%), and harsh weather conditions (97.1%) were the major factors affecting bee farming in the study area. The results further showed that training on climate change adaptation (mean = 2.24) was the most important training need among the respondents, while fellow bee farmers (74.0%) and cooperatives (72.1%) were the major sources of beekeeping information. The study concluded that inadequate institutional support, limited access to training and modern equipment, and environmental challenges significantly constrained bee farming productivity in Nasarawa State. The findings provide empirical evidence to guide government agencies, extension services, and development partners in designing targeted interventions and evidence-based policies that will strengthen apiculture development, improve farmers' productivity, and enhance rural livelihoods in Nasarawa State.