Sustainable beekeeping in Western Zambia: Approaches, challenges and implication in local farmer community

Eliška Honzáková

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis focused on sustainable beekeeping in Western Zambia, especially in regions traditionally involved in honey hunting, which now adopt beekeeping to diversify production and improve livelihood incomes. The study assessed the implications for local farming communities, considering environmental concerns and bees' critical role in pollination and biodiversity. Utilising interviews and case studies, it highlighted the socio-economic and ecological benefits of beekeeping and emphasised its role in broadening agricultural diversity and generating employment opportunities. The research highlighted significant livelihood opportunities and environmental conservation opportunities through beekeeping but identified vital obstacles, such as inadequate training and poor data collection related to beehive care, severely limiting its potential. The study recommended overcoming these challenges through integrated agricultural practices and increased community engagement to support the beekeeping industry. The study described the impact of beekeeping on rural livelihoods using Kenyan top-bar hive, biodiversity conservation, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices by examining the sustainability triad of economic, environmental, and social factors. It identified critical sustainability contributors and challenges, including environmental threats, market access issues, and knowledge gaps. The study concluded that sustainable beekeeping could significantly enhance rural livelihoods by providing alternative income sources, improving crop production through adequate pollination, and supporting environmental conservation. However, realising these benefits requires targeted interventions to enhance beekeepers' training, financial access, and market opportunities and reduce environmental impacts. This thesis contributes to the broader conversation about sustainable rural development in Zambia by providing actionable insights into beekeeping as an environmentally friendly agricultural practice and recommending to stakeholders how to increase pollen and nectar resources oriented to agriculture systems to improve sustainable beekeeping's scalability and impact in Western Zambia.

Keywords

agroforestry, apiculture, economic aspects, honey harvesting, Kenyan top-bar hive, resource enhancement for bees, rural livelihoods

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Radim Kotrba, Ph.D.
• Reader: Jiří Danihlík, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
International Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development