CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Agriculture is a life-sustaining business because it is the basis of food production.

Beekeepers are producers of animals and provide support activities for crop and

animal production through pollination services provided by bees. Pollination is

necessary for sustaining the food supply. Because of this, Beekeeping businesses

are considered essential (peen state, extension 2020).

Apiculture is the science of beekeeping. It is the science and art of rearing,

breeding, and managing honeybee colonies in artificial hives for economic gains. It

can be learnt and practiced as a hobby, a part time or full-time occupation. Bees do

well in natural, undisturbed forests and on integrated farms where there is abundant

water and flowering plants since noisy environment can disturb the bees (Goulson,

2003). Bees are social insects that live in groups.

There is a serious unemployment in Nigeria. The country is presently suffering

economic recession which has affected organizations, businesses, families, and

homes. The need for an alternative source of national revenue apart from crude oil

has become imperative for lots of Nigerians. Because of this, government is

encouraging projects that can promote self-reliance so as to reduce the problem of

unemployment and salvage the country out of economic recession. Among the

1
projects that can induce self-reliance is beekeeping. According to (Ajao and

Oladimeji, 2013), beekeeping offers an unexploited succor capable of salvaging

people from abject hunger and poverty. Beekeeping will help to reduce the

endemic poverty problems in Nigeria, especially in the rural communities

(Ayansola, 2012). Beekeeping has a wonderful potential to boost Nigeria's export

base. There is an increasing demand for honey and other bee products because of

its great values in maintaining good health and in the treatment of various diseases.

According to (Anineme, 2007), honey is highly useful and as a result, there is so

much demand for it, that it can be termed a money spinner. The enterprise as a

means of empowering youth economically because of its many advantages over

other types of agro-forestry practices (Ojo, 2004).

Honeybees are of great economic importance because they don't only produce

honey and bee wax but also act as a primary pollinating agent of many agricultural

and forest crops. It is due to pollination that crop yield increases, quality of seed

and fruit improves (Moniruzzaman and Rahman, 2009). Beekeeping can provide

food and livelihood security to the rural work force on an ecologically sustainable

basis.

However, the outbreak of Covid-19 Pandemic affected the rural beekeeping and

production; in the early 2020, the Covid-19 (Caused by the SARS-Cov-2 Virus)

Pandemic took the world by storm as it gained widespread across countries. The

2
coronavirus apparently started to spread in China during December 2019, before

moving to Thailand, Japan, The Republic of Korea, United states, Vietnam,

Singapore and other countries of western pacific region and South-East Asian

Region and onwards to Russia, Africa, and Latin America (McLord, 2020).

The first Index case of Covid-19 surfaced as unknown acute pneumonia in Wuhan

hospital, a city in Eastern China. Consequently, WHO declared the virus a global

pandemic on March 11, 2010, WHO (Cai et al;2020, Wand et al;2020) having been

previously recognized as a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern

(PHEIC)" on January 30, 2020. The sudden emergence of the novel coronavirus

has affected the entire world in an unprecedented manner. Thus, the issue has and

continues to gather momentum day by day owning largely to the growing rate of

human -to-human transmission, causing severe respiratory disorder and more

damaging, is its unrestrained lethality. Infact, within the space of 6monthd, over

7million people were affected by the virus, causing the death of nearly 434,796

people, while the about 4272,909 recovered from the virus (Wordometer, 2020).

The lack of available clinical vaccines to combating the virus promoted the global

resolve for the adoption of pandemic measures, which was first implemented by

the central government of China in Wuhan on January 23, 2020. This pandemic

move was commended globally and particularly by the World Health Organization

(WHO), tagging it as "Unprecedented in Public health history" (Crossley, 2020).

3
1.2 Statement of Problem.

Subsequently, there were widespread declarations of pandemic in over 100

countries between April and June 2020. This pandemic move become an inevitable

option owning to both the anticipated and unanticipated macro-economic shocks

that could be triggered by the evolving virus. Conceptually, Pandemic has been

referred to as an emergency response imposed by the government, mandating

people to stay indoors in the even to fan outbreak. In the case of Covid-19, the

ultimate goal of pandemic measure was to flatten the curve of the novel virus. The

exercise entails the closure of all activities-based centers such as schools, hotels,

markets, religious houses etc. That could make a sizeable number of people come

together. (NCDC,2020; CDC, 2020; WHO,2020).

As a result of these measures, businesses and other private sectors were all shut

down. While the most essential sectors operated at low levels. In view of rural

beekeeping and production in Imo state, the restrictions placed on the general

public limited its operation. Upon this ground, this study seeks to examine the

effect of Covid-19 pandemic on rural beekeeping and production. The beekeeping

industry in Imo State has, however, failed to attract adequate public sector support

and has largely remained a hobby among a few interested farmers. This may

largely have been due to the general lack of information on the sub-sector which

poses a challenge in demonstrating the true potential of the industry and in

4
accurately assessing and increasing the visibility of the impact of interventions in

the sub-sector. The adoption of lockdown measures was considered the best option

towards combating the spread of the virus.

However, this drastic necessitated measure had its effect on the economy,

agriculture especially beekeeping. Beekeeping as a kind of agriculture in Nigeria

suffered limitations during the Covid-19 pandemic as movement were strictly

restricted, low patronage as many potential customers experienced low income.

The study conducted by (Viswavidyalaya, 2020) have revealed that 94 percent of

global and local beekeeping in India have been impacted and experienced Covid-

19 disruptions.

However, nothing is known about it in Nigeria in relation to beekeeping.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this work is to examine the perceived effect of Covid-19

pandemic on rural beekeeping and production in Imo state.

The specific objectives include:

1. describe socio-economic characteristics of beekeepers.

2. ascertain the awareness of Covid-19 by beekeepers

3. examine the perceived effect of Covid-19 in beekeeping and production.

4. identify beekeepers’ survival coping strategies used during Covid -19

pandemic.

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 5. identify Covid-19 pandemic protocols observed by beekeepers.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study on the effect of Covid-19 pandemic on rural beekeeping and production

in Imo state will unveil the nature and usefulness of beekeeping activities. More so,

this study will disclose findings on how beekeeping is being affected by the

unprecedented outbreak of Covid-19 and relevant recommendations of this study

will be helpful to beekeepers and other agricultural sectors with such nature of

operation. Even researchers, students, teachers and general public will consider this

study as a relevant one based on their area of interest.

6
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 This chapter deals with the review of literature related of the topic under study.

for case of understanding, neatness, and charity, this chapter will be reviewed

under the following sub-headings:

i. Introduction to Apiculture

ii. History of beekeeping in Africa

iii. History of beekeeping in Nigeria

iv. Beekeeping management and benefit in Nigeria

v. History of COVID-19

vi. COVID-19 in Nigeria

vii. Transmission of COVID-19

viii. Treatment of COVID-19

ix. Precaution of COVID-19

2.1 Introduction to Apiculture

In nearly, all countries of the world bees and their products are not only well know

and have wide consumer preference, but provide sustainable livelihoods to many

small-scale farmers and other rural people (FAO,2003).

7
Bees offer a large potential with minimal investments. As an agricultural

enterprise, beekeeping does not require land ownership, it can be started with

equipment and tools that can be sourced locally and in many instances, skills and

knowledge required for such an enterprise are found within local traditions

(Nicola,2003). As a business enterprise, it offers not only diverse products for

example, honey and wax among others, which can be sold in local markets and

become an important source of regular income for farm families but can also

provide complementary services such as crop pollination (FAO,2009). Moreover

bee products improve farm family nutrition and can provide for traditional health

care remedies (FAO, 2009).

Apiculture is an art that combines knowledge of habit and behavior of

bees, under varying environmental conditions with the efficient manipulation of

special equipment of the operator for man's economic benefit it involves the use of

modern techniques to keep honeybees for highly desirable products such as honey,

comb and wax, pollen, propolis, bee venom, royal jelly and other value added

products and pollination services(Oyerinde and Ande, 2006)

Like all other agricultural endeavors, beekeeping is not only a noble and

economically rewarding vocation, but also a very viable economic pursuit under

taken all over the world (oyerinde and Ande,2006). it is, therefore, an important

aspect of modern agriculture any developing economy would ignore to the

8
detriment of its general wellbeing (oyerinde and Ande,2006). The potential that

beekeeping offers to agriculture, interims of providing raw materials for industrial

development, employment improved nutrition and income generation in

developed. as well as developing countries is substantial (Akande and olure,2015).

This article focused on the assessment of the agricultural practice in Nigeria

and provided options for the use of modern techniques in keeping honeybees to

maximize production for local and international markets. This can be achieved

through industrial development of the practice Nigeria and boost exportation of the

products to earn growth in the Nigeria's GDP and in turn diversify the monolithic

economy that is presently based on crude oil exportation ( Akande and olure,2015).

2.2 Beekeeping practice in Africa

Honeybee has been kept for its products in Africa for over 100years.

Various tribes in Africa such as mbere tribe of Tanzania, waka mba tribe of kenya

and Tiv people of Nigeria have a long record of bee rearing (RMRDC,2018).

Adejare guessed that these tribe must have beekeeping bees for over one thousand

years.

Africa has about 10% of the total world bee’s population with the largest in

Nigeria, Ethiopia and Egypt (Hussein, 2000). beekeeping was practice in different

ways in Nigeria and in many cases, the occupation is associated with some myths

9
and folklore. For example, among the Tiv people, beekeeping is believed to be a

secret practice to which beginners must be initiated. The natural nesting enclosures

for bee habitation are cavities in the big trees and disposed continuers

(Hussein,2000). big trees with holes are few and the holes are invariably

irregularly shaped therefore, limiting the performance of the bees. Notable

predators of bees like reptile, amphibians are rampant, reducing the labour force by

feeding on them (oyerinde and Ande,2009).

Consequently, an improvement was engendered by these problems which

resulted in the development of improved beekeeping traditional methods. Many

traditional beekeepers in the tropical region used loghives, baskets and other

materials that cannot be opened for inspection of the colony (oyerinde and Ande,

2009). Harvesting honey from the natural and traditional lives entails access

difficulties. The colonies are ruined in the attempt to reach honey and this is

achieved with much difficulty such harvested honey comb, when processed, gives

impure honey even when undiluted (adeyemi and Job,2010). Also, the bees and

their young ones that should be preserved for future, honey production are burnt in

the harvesting process (Hussein, 200).

The history of modern beekeeping which involves the use of movable comb

lives, when an American apiarist, Lorenzo L. introduces it to the popular in most

part of Africa except Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania. This maybe as a result of

10
indulgence in the modern practice in these countries. in Nigeria, modern

beekeeping was initiated at the international institute of tropical Agriculture (IITA)

farms at Ayepe and ilesha in osun state and Dogon Dawa in oyo state (Hussein,

2000). it is paradoxical that in certain areas of Nigeria that is seemingly

ecologically disadvantaged for apicultural practice and where ideal housing and

floral conditions are poor in dry season, beekeeping thrives impressively (Ande

and oyerinde, 2006). Despite Nigeria still rates behind Ethiopia, Angola, kenya,

vand Ghana in terms of honey production (olagunu,200).

Recently in Nigeria, beekeeping awareness has made the practice popular in

almost every part of the country, in some areas, men who have no hives, raide the

colonies of bees in natural habitats when they are discovered. Despite the

awareness, the large proportion of the countries crude honey and other hive

products come from the bee hunters, or at best traditional beekeepers

(ologungu,2000). The age long practice of relying on getting bee products from

bee hunters or traditional beekeepers is not only severely detrimental to the

environment but also compromises the quality of honey and the economic gains

accruable(olagunju,2000).other factors that may be militating against the

improvement of beekeeping industry in Nigeria include beepests and predators,

human activities such as bush burning, use of pesticides. Furthermore, apiculture is

11
yet to be incorporated into the unified agricultural extension system in Nigeria,

thus creating a vacuum in the training of interested farmer(olagunju,2000).

2.3 History of Beekeeping in Nigeria

The discovery of crude oil in Nigeria in the late 50s adversely affected the

agricultural sub-sector of the Nigeria economy(Ama-ogbari,2009). The once

booming agriculture in Nigeria especially in the 1940s and early 1950s became a

shadow of itself. The groundnut pyramids in the North disappeared, cocoa

products in the western region declined drastically while palm-products from the

eastern region were localized(Ama-ogbari,2009).

Although various government have attempted to revitalize the agriculture sub-

sector, Nigeria has not succeeded wholly in turning the fortune of agriculture for

economic growth. One of the aspect of agriculture in Nigeria that is neglected or an

aspect that awareness has not been properly created is in the field of Apiculture or

beekeeping. It is necessary to promote and encourage the art of beekeeping to

enhance economic growth in Nigeria (Ama-ogbari, 2009).

Historically, throughout the length and breadth of civilization, honeybee colonies

have provided source of honey for human consumption. It is on record that the first

authenticated record of men pursing bees is a cave painting in Spain which was

dated to about 8,000 years before the present era. However, the formal

management of honey bee colonies for the commercial honey production is a more

12
recent innovation (Gills, 2007). It is certain that the Ancient Egyptians kept bees

Specifically for the production of honey, at least 2,500 years before the present era.

In contemporary times, the keeping of bees in movable comb hive is a legacy of

the innovativeness of the father of commercial beekeeping, Reverenced Lorenzo I.

Langstroth who patented a hive in 1852 which has remained widely used up till

today (Gills, 2007). today, many Nigeria are involved in the deliberate process of

Bee farming or Apiculture. Although apiculture is still young in the agricultural

system it is gradually growing especially when viewed against the background of

the usefulness of honey, a valuable by-product of beekeeping (Ama-ogbari,2009)

Between 1000 and 1500 AD Arab travelers in west Africa, which included the

present day Northern region of Nigeria were involved in trade. One of the valuable

items of trade recorded was the use of honey as good mead and the presence of

honey in the region acknowledged the existence of bee hives, from where honey

was produced (Azaiki,2003).

The discovery eventually progressed to beekeeping in Nigeria. Gradually, in the

practice of bee farming spread to many areas and farmers adopted various methods

(Azaiki, 2013). Traditional beekeeping in Zaria shows that lives were made in

trees, while in the Ngamo area, beekeeping involves the use of plaited grasses

(Azaiki, 2003). The honey combs are harvested after dark or after full moon or

before the appearance of a new moon. In the North Eastern region of Nigeria, the

13
Kanuri people use calabashes in trees as bee hives (Apinondia, 2007). However,

the natural nesting enclosures for bees are cavities in big trees, ant hills, rocks and

disposed container (Apinondia,2007).

Traditional beekeeping hives constitutes of wood or half quarter steel drums fitted

with wooden top bars. Modern hives were introduced by the International Institute

of Tropical Agriculture to Ibadan in farms at Ayepe in Osun State (Peter,2007).

The traditional honey harvesting practices in Nigeria involves allowing bees to

breed in the wild and then finding and burning the hives to disperse the bees,

usually killing the bees in the process. This practice reduces the population of the

bees in the process. This practice reduces the population of the bees and is a

sustainable economic venture as a source of income and livelihood for rural

dwellers (Peter,2007).

In Nigeria, palm wine is used to attract bees to traditional hives. In southern

Bauchi clay or mud hives are used to keep bees (Peter,2007). The modern and or

scientific method of beekeeping is called Apiculture which is an improvement in

the art and science of beekeeping for man's economic and health benefit. It is the

practice of honeybee rearing that combines the knowledge of the social behaviour

and biology of the bees with that of the environment and the use of apiary

equipment to maximize honey production and output of other bee hives production

(Peter,2007).

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2.3.1 Bee keeping and Livelihoods

Honey hunters can be found in many countries and are commonly involved in

subsistence farming. They hunt for honey in the wild as a way to diversify their

food supply as well as to sell honey. However, fire and smoke that are used to rid

the bees from their nests can destroy the entire colony, but can also ignite wild

fires.

This type of practice also affects the surrounding environment as pollination

services are no longer available (FAO,2009). This puts in jeopardy the honey

hunters livelihood as well as making crops and other plants in the area more

vulnerable.

Moreover, the honey and wax obtained from such a practice are of low quality

(FAO,2009). For example, honey can be sold with parts of honey comb in it, ash

and brood. Wax from the honey comb is not marketed and is usually either thrown

away or used as burning fuel (FAO,2009). Alongside honey hunting, traditional

forms of beekeeping have also developed over the centuries. In this type of

beekeeping, the small-scale farmer produces protection for the bee colony in

exchange for periodic harvest of honey and wax(FAO,2009). This protection may

be as simple as providing a hole in a wall, a basket attached to a tree branch so that

bees can colonize it. This enables to harvest honey without destroying the colony

and risking the important pollination services that bees can provide (FAO,2009).

15
The brood taken from wild colonies of bees is sometimes eaten by children as

protein supplement, but it is not available on a constant basis, so contributes little

to their diets and protein intake (FAO,2009).

More advanced forms of beekeeping involve using purposely made hives. this not

only allows for the ownership of the bee colony and its product, but importantly

makes it easier to harvest bee products as bees can be kept closer to the farm

household and or can be moved with greater ease, for example to provide

pollination services for fruit crops(FAO,2009). This unlike honey hunting provides

far more reliable sources of honey products, on a regular basis and enables small

scale farmers to manage and control the bee colony, like any other agricultural

enterprise(FAO,2009). It enables more proficient and efficient management and

commonly allows for higher yields and more regular supply of bee products for the

market (FAO,2009).

2.3.2 Beekeeping as a business enterprise

Beekeeping is a lucrative trade even using simple management techniques but

needs to consider local culture and economy for it to be successful (FAO,2009).

Beekeeping as an enterprise fit in very well with small scale farmers livelihoods. It

is not invasive, bees work along the natural patterns of local agro- ecological zones

and provide positive impacts to the fauna and flora found within (FAO,2009). It is

an enterprise that can provide for employment, Income and economic security for

16
the farm family and others in rural areas. It requires little start up investment, does

not require complex technologies and techniques to start with and bees usually

look after themselves, with little need for tendering (FAO,2009).

Bees provide for a plethora of products and are well known in many local markets.

This produces a port-folio of products that a small scale farmer can sell from a

single farm enterprise. These products can also, with minimal processing be

transformed into value added products(FAO,2009).

Benefits of Livelihood activity

1. Beekeeping at household level

In many countries, beekeeping is a family undertaking, where men provide for

harvesting, while women and children tend to honey extraction and processing

(FAO,2009).

However, this is not always the case, as women in particular can successfully use

beekeeping as a livelihood enterprise. It can be located in and around the farm

household, it does not require excessive labor and time to manage, as bees do the

majority of the work(FAO,2009). Women do not have to travel far to tender the

enterprise and it can be a ready source of cash in time of need, as bee products can

be sold to neighbors or in local markets (FAO,2009). This enables women to be

part of an economic activity, which can provide them with income and an

17
independence that can support them in difficult times. It is also a flexible activity

where there is no need for constant tendering, for example as with livestock and

crops, and hence allows women to follow other matters on farm as well

(FAO,2009).

Honey, like other bee products, has a good energetic, tasty and nutritional value

and contributes to the overall health of the farm family. In many societies, bee

products are used in traditional medicine and are an integral part of traditional

health care (FAO,2009).

Bees can also contribute to the pollination of home gardens as well as other crops

the farmer grows, increasing food security for the farm family (FAO,2009). Bees

does not require feeding, and only need a source of clean and portable water.

commonly they can forage in wild, cultivated and even land mined areas as well as

in arid areas (FAO,2009).

2. Enhancing Local skills, knowledge and traditions

In many rural communities and not only, various forms of beekeeping have been in

practice for many years. By introducing beekeeping as a business and building on

pre-existent skills will improve the knowledge and capacity of small scale farmers

(FAO,2009). This will enhance local traditions in beekeeping, while developing

such an enterprise to the benefit of many in the local community(FAO,2009).

18
Importantly, this will not deviate from the use of acquired techniques and

equipment in the locality, but enhance them and improve them, thus making up-

take far easier and far more successful(FAO,2009).

3. Integration into the farming system

Beekeeping fit in very well to small scale farming systems. Beekeeping does not

require land to be owned and/or rented and soil fertility is not an issue as they

forage on otherwise unused resources; nectar and pollen (FAO,2009).

In other words beekeeping does not compete for other resources needed by

livestock and crops. Bees complement crops and this in turn can increase crop

yields (FAO,2009). Some crops that benefit from pollination services are cashew,

papaya, coconut, oil palm, citrus, sunflowers and clover. Some of these also

provide to be good nectar sources for bee (FAO,2009). Many of the inputs required

for beekeeping can be sourced and made locally and do not impinge on other farm

activities and required investments. Products that derive from a beekeeping

enterprise use little or any farm inputs, apart from labour in harvest and processing

periods (FAO,2009).

4. Dietary Contribution

Bee products provide for improved nutrition and consequently better health for

farm families and others in local communities. Honey is a useful source of high

carbohydrate food, and commonly contains a rich diversity of minerals, vitamins

19
and others, adding nutritional variety to human diets (FAO,2009). Honey provide

for improved physical performance , resistance to fatigue and improved mental

efficiency (FAO,2006a).

Honey also is said to improve food assimilation (FAO,2006a). It is commonly

indicated as a lifesaver for people in critical health (CTA, 2005b). Pollen also

contributes to nutrition; however pollen that is consumed needs to derive from

different plant sources to provide various nutrients to humans (CTA, 2005b).

Pollen contains a range of constituents; 30 percent protein, including all amino

acids, a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, lipids (FAO,2009). Propolis is

mainly consumed for its medicinal value, while royal jelly is claimed to provide,

very much like honey, increased physical resistance and improved intellectual

performance (FAO, 2009). However, these properties have not been confirmed by

scientific evidence.

Bee brood and adult bees are consumed in many countries and in some are

considered as a treat. Brood and adult bees contain reasonable amounts of protein

(FAO, 2006a).

5. Traditional Medicinal Value

There is a considerable history of bees and bee products having medicinal

properties. Honey, pollen, propolis, wax, royal jelly and venom are seen by many

20
to have curative properties, even though others suggest the contrary as a result of a

lack of critical scientific scrutiny on bee products (FAO, 2009).

Honey is primarily seen in traditional medical systems as having curative

properties. This derives from the fact that honey made from a particular medicinal

plant is traditionally assumed to transfer the properties to the honey (FAO,2009).

However, these claims are not supported by orthodox scientific evidence (FAO,

2006a). In terms of honey, scientific evidence sees honey as more of a food than a

medicine, the benefits deriving more from nutritional effects (FAO,2006).

In terms of bee wax claims are made that it has antibiotic properties and can be

used for arthritis and nasal inflammations (FAO,2009). Propolis is well known to

have medicinal value and this has also been proven scientifically. It has

bactericidal, fungicidal and anti-viral effects (FAO, 2006a). Pollen, even though

not being recognized as a medicinal drug, is used in traditional medicine, for such

aspects as prostate problems. In terms of royal jelly claims are made on its positive

effects on human beings, however, opinions differ and some argue that there is no

scientific evidence to support such a case (FAO,2009). Still claims are made of the

use of bee venom and its positive effects on rheumatoid arthritis and tendon, strain

and muscle injuries, however also here, there are people who claim that there is

lack of scientific evidence to support such affirmations. (FAO,2009).

6. On Farm Processing

21
Beekeeping and its products, by their very nature require on farm processing prior

to being sold. This provides for opportunities in learning new skills and subsequent

capacity building in small scale farmers (FAO, 2009).

Moreover, with some minimal training, small-scale farmers can learn valued added

processing methods for bee products (FAO,2009). This importantly demonstrates

to small-scale farmers that on farm processing, pending on market demand can be

an important source of value-added and increased income (FAO,2009).

Processing is not only important for the higher incomes, but also for food security

and availability. Bee products that have been appropriately processed are available

year-round for farm family consumption, but also for consumption by customers in

local communities (FAO,2009).

7. Improved Income

Many bee products have a good value on local markets and are easily tradable.

Honey requires few inputs and has a good cash value related to bulk and weight

(FAO,2009). Honey is also easy to transport to distant markets such as export

markets. Honey, if appropriately extracted and processed can become a non-

perishable, providing sales of the product well beyond the main harvest times. This

can provide a more constant and regular income for the farm family (FAO,2009).

Moreover, many bee products with minimal processing can be made into value-

added products that may not be related to agriculture. This means more income for

22
the farm family derived from selling value-added products, a source of regular

income over the year as well as targeting non-agricultural markets with some of the

value-added products (FAO,2009).

In some countries, there are charges made for pollination services carried out by

bees on commercial crops as not only it increases yields, but also increases quality

of the crops. This means that there is potential to charge fees for pollination

services carried out by small-scale bee farmers in their local areas (FAO,2009).

8. Social Benefits

Bees provide benefits to many within rural communities. This ranges from

improved crop yields as a result of pollination to improved food and nutrition, an

assured supply for traditional medicine and improved community health

(FAO,2009). In many cultures bee products are valued in festivities and

ceremonies such as births and marriages. This reinforces social ties and traditions

(FAO,2009).

Once more advanced beekeeping methods have been understood and practiced for

some time. It is not uncommon to find training in beekeeping methods conducted

by farmers for younger people in the community (FAO,2009).

Beekeeping can also create social benefits as for example when small-scale

farmers join together to form an association, either formal or informal (FAO,2009).

This collaborative work, which fits in very well with beekeeping, especially during

23
honey harvest time, can create scope for working together within a community and

the people involved can see and experience the advantages and benefits of

collaboration (FA0,2009).

9. Environmental Benefits

Bees provide numerous benefits to the natural environment and have a critical role

in its sustainability. Their role is not readily recognized, even though bees are

needed for the pollination of many cultivated crops and for maintaining

biodiversity in islands of non-cultivated areas (FAO,2009). Usually a honey bee

can visit between 50 to 1000 flowers in one trip which takes between 30 minutes to

4 hours. A colony with 25 000 forager bees, each making 10 trips a day is able to

pollinate 250 million flowers (FAO,2009).

2.3.3 Beekeeping Resources and their Uses

The pollinating activity of honey bee is of great value to food security,

sustainability of industries with the provision of raw materials, as it is directly

responsible for 80percent insect pollination in plants (Oyerinde and Ande, 2006).

The global demand for all bee products, cut cross religious and cultural lines.

Importantly, the domestic demand for beekeeper's honey in Nigeria remains

amazing as nearly every family is becoming interested in honey consumption; even

at a high price provided the purity is guaranteed (RMRDC, 2018). Also, the

industries utilizing bee products as raw materials are at present importing a large

24
quantity of products (Ande and Oyerinde, 2010). This calls for urgent attention

aimed at engaging in modern beekeeping to boost production for local and

international markets. (Olagunju,2010).

Bee farming also provides people that take beekeeping as secondary occupation

with extra source of income and nutrition. It sometimes generates foreign exchange

earnings, thus it is seen lately and valued as a sustainable form of agriculture

(RMRDC, 2018). More so, the practice is not detrimental to the environment, since

it helps in the regeneration of forest resource, reclamation of eroded land and

pasture improvement (Ande and Oyerinde, 2010).

The history of honey usage parallels that of man and in virtually every culture

evidence can be found of its uses as a food source and as a symbol employed in

religious, magical and therapeutic ceremonies (Olagunju, 2000).

Recently, the nutritional advantages of honey over sugar syrup have been realized

as it has proved to be better nutritionally and hence the global drift of interest

towards honey consumption and industrial application (Olagunju, 2000).

Health considerations and awareness are some of the driving motives behind

increasing honey consumption. It is historically evident that honey has therapeutic

and prophylactic use as it has been reported in the treatment of wounds, infections

of the eyes and skin, as it acts as disinfectant and counteracts inflammation from

time immemorial in the Babylonian and Egyptian empires (Olagunju, 2000). It is

25
also a potential germ destroyer with renowned antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic and

antibiotic activities as well as anti-inflammatory qualities (Olagunju,2000).

The economic importance of bee farming cannot be ignored as its impact is

directly felt by Nigerians, especially those that are engaged in this occupation

(Olagunju,2000). Beekeeping is planning a new future for rural systems in Nigeria,

using beekeeping and apitherapy as the pivot of sustainable human development.

Beekeeping and training help to create jobs for the rural people, the job creation

potentials of beekeeping are in two folds-secured livelihoods for rural people

through honey production and jobs for urban-based individuals and corporate

bodies packaging and marketing honey or using honey as raw materials for

cosmetics and pharmaceutical products (Olagunju,2002). Agricultural development

such as bee farming is also the basis of any meaningful economic empowerment

for the poor rural dwellers (Olagunju,2002).

As noted earlier, the most valuable product of bee-farming is honey. Honey is

produced in liquid form by honey bees, from nectar and enzymes secreted from the

bodies of honey bees. Its composition is very complex, containing a variety of

biochemical compounds including vitamins, amino-acids, enzyme etc. Other

materials found in honey include pollen grain and royal jelly.(Olagunju,2002).

Bee-wax is an important product from bee farming, it is a yellowish substance,

newly built comb can also be rendered as good wax along with capping. It is a fatty

26
acid; its chemical property is complex and unique. Bee wax is a multi-industrial

raw material used in making polish for leather, ointments, cosmetics, candles and

skin cream. It provides waterproof in shoes, bee wax is used also for allergies such

as hay fever (Olagunju, 2002).

Another product from bee-farming of value is the pollen. Pollen grains from some

selected flowers are gathered by bees to make bee-bread. It has a high market

value, used as food and medicine, it is very rich in protein, enzymes, and minerals

(Olagunju,2002).

Propolis is another substance produced from bee farming. It is a blackish and at

times brownish substance that bees produce to glue objects strongly together. This

product is used as anti-biotic and also to prevent and cure sinusitis

(Olagunju,2002).

Royal jelly is another by-product of bee farming. It is a special food prepared for

the queen bee. This product is very valuable to man. It is used to cure barrenness in

humans (Olagunju,2002). It has a high concentration of protein that can be

manufactured into capsules for aiding fertility. (Olagunju,2002).

The venom of the bee sting is also useful. A collection of it is processed into liquid

and it serves as a dose for arthritis (Olagunju, 2002). The stings when collected are

used to produce vaccine against nervous disorder.

27
In Nigeria, bee farming is not yet on a large-scale farming. Thus, the honey is the

only major product that is exploited, while the other by-products are not fully

tapped (Ama-Ogbari, 2009).

2.3.4 Challenges of Beekeeping in Nigeria

Bee-farming in the world and indeed Nigeria is faced with challenges, most of

which are man-made (Akinwande and Ogbogu, 2011).

1. Deforestation

The destruction of the forest through the cutting down of the trees in large

areas. This process of deforestation is caused by human activities such as wood

logging. This destruction of forest gradually leads to the decline of honeybee

flora, as the bees survive through nectar and pollen, and this consequently leads

to reduced production of honey. This is because the forage bee has to fly longer

distance for pollen and nectar to cope.

2. Bush Burning

The process of bush burning threaten the bee population because of the heat

from the fire if not controlled could lead to a severe destruction of the honeybee

that resides in that environment . An entire bee colony is usually destroyed

during bush burning and also fire is a threat to bee flora.

3. Application of Pesticides and Insecticides

28
 These chemicals are usually applied by farmers on their farms to get rid of

insects. Bees are also insects, therefore the application of these pesticides and

insecticides are harmful to the bees if they are located in the area where these

chemicals are applied. The bees could even die when foraging in search of food

in flowers contaminated with these deadly chemicals.

4. Inadequate Technical Skills

The technical capability of the traditional beekeepers is weak. To manage the

beehives, to achieve maximum profitability, it is necessary to understand the

behavior, characteristics, biology and anatomy of the bees. This is lacking in

traditional beekeepers. Technical constraints facing beekeepers in developing

countries like Nigeria is lack of knowledge of appropriate methods for

managing bees, lack of skilled trainers, materials and training possibilities and

lack of dissemination of new research information.

5. Market Problem

The current marketing system is facing many problems which include lack of

reliable market information on supply, demand and market prices for bee

products in the country. While Nigeria has problems in marketing their honey,

beekeepers in most parts of the world are in a difficult situation of having bee

populations that are free from diseases and predators. Nigerian honey has little

29
 risk of contamination by chemical residues. This could enhance greatly its

quality and value in the world market.

In Nigeria, honey is the only major product that is exploited while the other

products are not fully tapped. This is evidently clear that Nigeria has not taken

beekeeping as a serious enterprise.

2.3.5 Management of Bee Hive

To manage the bee hives to achieve maximum profitability, it is necessary to

understand the behavior, characteristics, biology and anatomy of bees. Every

beekeeper needs to understand the process of the bee society, for instance how the

bee colony is constituted and organized (Olagunju,2002). Insect bees come

together to form temporary or permanent groups where they interact directly with

one another. The group activities which these bees exhibit, are known as social

behaviour. Each group or society of bees has an organizational structure and

communication system (Olagunju,2002). The efficiency of the society is made

possible by giving individual bee specific role to perform. These roles are seen in

the activities of the queen bee, drones and workers. A colony of honeybee is a

biological unit or family of bees (Olagunju,2002). Any given colony consists of

three different numbers of bees. The queen bee which is a fertile egg laying

female, the worker bees are infertile females. The drones which are male bees are

30
always present in the reproductive season but may be kicked out by worker bees

during food scarcity (Olagunju,2002).

The composition is usually one queen to 60,000 workers and about 1000 drones in

the average colony (Olagunju,2002). Honey bee eggs are pearly white, a bee starts

to develop as soon as the queen lays the egg. After three days a tiny worm-like

larva crawls out of the egg, the worker bee places larva called royal jelly in the

bottom of each cell. A jelly is a creamy substance rich in vitamins and protein. It is

formed by glands in the heads of young worker bees when the larva is three days

old, the workers begin feeding it on a mixture of honey and pollen called bee-bread

(Olagunju,2002).

The workers build a wax cap over the cell five days after the larva hatches. The

worm-like larva become pupa and the pupa develops into an adult. The adult

worker bee bites its way out of the cell twenty-one days after the egg is laid and

then it begins to work in the hive (Olagunju,2002). In terms of hive management,

for the success of bee-farming, some equipment are necessary. There are various

types beekeeping equipment and there are also different models of hives as well as

bee product processing equipment (Olagunju,2002).

There are different types of traditional hives and such devices differ from place to

place. In terms of modern bee management, there are three notable types, the

Tanzania top bar hives, the Kenya top-bar hive as well as the Langstroth hive.

31
Among the three hive, the Langstroth hive is the most sophisticated hive in use. It

is not popular in developing countries because of its high cost, high technology

that requires precision and fineness and of course, maintenance. It has movable

top-bars with frames (Olagunju,2002). Basic equipment for hive management is

the smoker. It is a metal fire box with a directional funnel hanged to the top. The

top opens to give access to the inner fuel tank which is perforated to supply oxygen

to and in fuel burning. (Olagunju, 2002).

There is a variety of fuel materials that can be used to produce gentle blue smoke

needed for hive operation. They include saw-dusts. dry grasses, shavings and rags.

The good ones that produce durable smoke are coconut shell, fibre, and dry cow

dung. These flammables are the best used ones in honey harvesting (Njoku,2007).

Bee dress is also necessary in the process of managing the bee hive especially with

the aggressive Africa specie Apis Melifero Adasonii. The most important part of

the dress is the veil that covers the face which is usually the target of the bees. The

dress should be loose fitting to distance the possible sting from reaching the target.

Other farm tools include hive knife, bee brush, hive tool, smoker (Njoku,2007).

Swarming is another aspect of hive management. If a bee farmer is not familiar

with swarming, a colony or colonies will be dispersed from existing hive.

Swarming is the reproduction of another colony and it occurs when the worker

bees are able to gather plenty food which result in high population of the colony.

32
When the colony is over populated some queen cells are prepared and the larva are

fed on royal jelly to raise a young queen, the older queen leaves the colony with

half of the colony population. (Njoku,2007).

A good hive management could be alert to recapture these swarming bees, for a

hive to start a colony again instead of allowing them to the wild. A measure known

as baiting is adopted to recapture the swarming bees. Bait is an attractant used in

attracting the bees(Njoku,2007).

1. Bee management is to ensure that the hive is placed with the entrance facing

the east, facing the rising sun for the bees early morning activities.

2. It is advisable to approach the hive from behind or from the side and do the

operations from these two locations.

3. Avoid noise making and sudden movements.

4. If it accidentally sting, remove the sting bee and smoke the spot to prevent

more stings.

5. Smoke the bees and self to make them calm.

6. Be careful with the use of fire, mostly in dry seasons and disposal to avoid

fire outbreaks.

Honey is ready for harvesting when the comb is filled with capped honey.

Beekeepers should remember that they are harvesting the food meant for the bees.

33
They should have to make extra preparations to ensure that the bees are made

comfortable (Njoku,2007).

2.4 History of Covid-19

Coronavirus belong to the Coronvaridae family in the Nidovirales order.

Corona represents crown like spikes on the outer surface of the virus, thus, it

was named as a Coronavirus. Coronavirus are minute in size (65-125nm in

diameter) and contain a single-stranded RNA as a nucleic material, size ranging

from 26 to 32 kbs in length. The sub-groups of coronavirus family are alpha( ,

beta ( ), gamma ( ), and delta ( ) coronavirus(Chan k et.al, 2003). The severe

acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus of (SARS-CoV), and middle East

respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes acute lung injury and

acute respiratory distress syndrome which leads to pulmonary failure and result

in fatality. These viruses were thought to infect only animals until the world

witnessed a severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak (cause by SARS-CoV,

2002) in Guangdong, China (Chan k.et.al;2003). Only a decade later, another

pathogenic coronavirus, known as Middle East respiratory syndrome

coronavirus, caused an endemic in Middle Eastern Countries (Wang et al;

2013).

Recently, at the end of 2019, when an emerging business hub of China

experienced an outbreak of a novel coronavirus that killed more than eighteen

34
hundred and infected over seventy thousand individuals within the first fifty

days of the epidemic. This virus was reported to be a member of the beta ( )

group of coronaviruses (Cui J, Shi Z-L, 2019; Hsuch, 2019, WHO,2020). The

novel virus was named as Wuhan Coronavirus by the Chinese researchers. The

international committee on Taxonomy of viruses named the virus as SARS-

CoV-2 and the disease as Covid-19 (Cui J, Shi Z, 2019; Hsuch, 2019,

WHO,2020).

In the history, (SARS-CoV,2003) infected 8098 individuals with mortality rate

of 9% across 26 countries in the world, on the other hand, novel coronavirus,

2019 infected 120,000 individuals with mortality rate of 2.9% across 109

countries, it shows that transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 is higher than SARS-

CoV and the reason could be genetic recombination event at S protein in the

RBD region of SARS-CoV-2 may have enhanced its transmission ability

(WHO,2020; Husch, 2019 Cui J, 2019).

2.4.1 Covid 19 in Nigeria

The first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in infectious disease center, Yaba,

Lagos State, Nigeria on the 27th of February 2020. An Italian Citizen arrived at

the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 10:pm on 24th February

2020 on board a Turkish airline from Milan, Italy. He visited his company's site

in Ogun State the following day where he presented himself at his company's

35
staff clinic. The physician on duty had a strong suspicion of the presence of the

virus. This led him to refer the Italian citizen to Infectious Disease Hospital and

the Covid-19 status was confirmed (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, 2020).

The Nigerian Center for Disease Control started the contact tracing of persons

of interest which included all persons on the manifesto of the flight that brought

the index case to Nigeria, as well as people who had close contact with the

index case while in Lagos and Ogun State (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control,

2020). After a period of two weeks, a cluster of cases was detected in Lagos and

Abuja, this was noted to be the emergence of the nationwide spread of the virus.

The federal government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,

restricted international commercial flights into the country, effective from 23rd

march, 2020. On the same day, Nigeria registered her first fatality, a 67-year-

old man returned from the United Kingdom who already had underlying

medical issues that were been managed before his death. The death occurred on

the Federal Territory, Abuja (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control,2020).

The federal government responded with the authorization of the closure of all

non-essential services and restricted movement of people in Lagos State, Ogun

State and the Federal capital Territory, Abuja on 27th March 2020 (Onyeji,

2020). Most state governments restricted public gathering and there were

restrictions on inter-state movement. The federal government later authorized

36
the gradual easing of lockdown in the previously restricted states on the 4th of

May 2020 (Onyeji,2020)).

2.4.2 Symptoms of Covid-19

The outbreak of Covid-19 affects different people in different ways. Most

infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and the most common

symptoms are: (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control,2020).

1. Fever

2. Cough

3. Tiredness

4. Loss of taste or smell

5. Sore throat

6. Headache

7. Aches and pains

8. Diarrhea

9. A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.

10. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

11. Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion

12. Chest pain

37
2.4.3 Transmission of Covid-19

In 2003, the Chinese population was infected with a virus causing severe acute

Respiratory Syndrome in Guangdong Province. The virus was confirmed as a

member of the Beta-Coronavirus sub-group and was named SARS-CoV (Guan,

2004; Van, 2007). The infected patients exhibited pneumonia symptoms with a

diffused alveolar injury which led to acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome initially emerged in Guangdong, China and

then spread rapidly around the global with more than 8000 infected persons and

776 diseases. A decade later in 2012, a couple of Saudi Arabian nationals were

diagnosed to be infected with another coronavirus (Guan, 2004; Van, 2007).

The detected virus was confirmed as a member of coronaviruses and named as

the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. The World Health

Organization reported that MERS-CoV infected more than 2428 individuals and

838 deaths (Rahman, 2013). MERS-CoV is a member of the beta-Coronavirus

sub-group and phylogenetically diverse from other human-COV. the infection

of MERS-COV initiates from a mild upper respiratory injury, while progression

leads to severe respiratory disease (Stephens, 2013).

The source of origination and transmission are important to be determined in

order to develop preventive strategies to contain the infection. In the case of

38
SARS-CoV, only the sample isolated from the civets at the seafood market

showed positive results for viral RNA detection (Yan et.al, 2005).

Recently, by the end of 2019, WHO was informed by the Chinese government

about several cases of pneumonia with unfamiliar etiology. The outbreak was

initiated from the Human seafood market in Wuhan city of China and rapidly

infected more than 50 people. The live animals are frequently sold at Hunan

Seafood Market (Wang et,al, 2020). On January 12th, 2020, the National Health

Commission of China released further details about the epidemic, suggested

viral pneumonia (Wang et al,2020). From the sequence-based analysis of

isolates from the patients, the virus was identified as a novel Coronavirus

(Wang et al; 2020).

Moreover, the genetic sequence was also provided for the diagnosis of viral

infection. Initially, it was suggested that the patients infected with Wuhan

Coronavirus induced pneumonia in China may have visited the seafood market

where live animals were sold or may have used infected animals as a source of

food (Wang et al; 2020).

However, further investigations revealed that some individuals contracted the

infection even with no record of visiting the seafood market. These

observations indicated a human- to- human spreading capability of this virus,

which was subsequently reported in more than 100 countries in the world

39
 (Nguyen, et al; 2020). The human- to - human spreading of the virus occurred

due to close contact with an infected person, exposed to coughing, sneezing,

respiratory droplets. These respiratory droplets can penetrate the human body

through the nose or mouth (Parry et al; 2020, Wang et al; 2020).

1. Contact and Droplet Transmission

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur through direct, indirect, or close

contact with infected people through infected secretions such as saliva and

respiratory secretions or their respiratory droplets, which are expelled when an

infected person coughs, sneezes, talks (Wang et al; 2020, Yang et al, 2020).

Respiratory droplets transmission can occur when a person is in close contact

with an infected person who has respiratory symptoms or who is talking

(WHO,2020).

2. Airborne Transmission

Airborne transmission is the spread of an infectious agent caused by the

dissemination of droplet nuclei that remain infectious when suspended in air

over long distance and time (WHO, 2014). Airborne transmission of SARS-

CoV-2 can occur during medical procedures that generates

aerosols(WHO,2020). A number of arespiratory droplets generate microscopic

aerosols by normal breathing and taking results in exhaled aerosols

(Morawska,2020). Thus, a susceptible person could inhale aerosols and could

40
become infected if the aerosols contain the various insufficient quantity to cause

infection within the recipient (Morawska, 2020).

The nationwide spread of the virus led to the federal government of Nigeria

effecting certain measures to contain the virus (Onyeji, 2020). The available

information on the virus and the welfare of her citizenry were guiding beacons

in periodic restrictions to maximize containment. Educational and religious

institutions were the first bodies restricted before containment measures

extended to non-essential services (Onyeji, 2020).

The federal government with the aid of different ministries and government put

up a formidable response in the fight against Covid-19 in Nigeria (Ameh,

2020). Leading the frontlines is the federal ministry of health through its

accreditation committee are involved with inspection of public and private

treatment centers for covid-19 confirmed cases (Ameh, 2020). Furthermore, the

ministry handles the training guidelines and personal protective equipment

distribution for frontline workers for this novel disease. The federal government

suspended all international flight into Lagos and Abuja, effective from 23rd

March 2020, the decision was taken as a preventive measure against the spread

of the virus in the nation (Onyeji, 2020).

41
2.4.4 Treatment of Covid-19

Initially, broad-spectrum antibiotic, and anti-viral drugs were used to reduce the

viral load (Yang et al; 2020, Kasumba, 2020). However, only Remdesivir has

shown promising impact against the virus (Graham et al, 2018). Remdesivir

only and in combination with chloroquine or Interfero beta significantly

blocked the SARS-COV-2 replication and patients were declared as clinically

recovered (Bruce et al, 2020, Wang et al, 2020). Various other anti-viral are

currently being evaluated against infection. Nafamostat, and Arbidol exhibited

moderate results when tested against infection in patients and in vitro-clinical

isolates. (Wang et al; 2020). Several other combinations such as combining the

antiviral or antibiotics with traditional Chinese medicines were also evaluated

against SARS-COV-2 induced infection in humans and mice (Brown et al,

2020).

There is no available vaccine against covid-19, while previous vaccines or

strategies used to develop a vaccine against SARS-COV-2 can be effective.

Recombinant protein from the urban strain of SARS-COV was administered to

mice and hamsters, resulted in the production of neutralizing antibodies and

protection against SARS-COV (Roberts, 2005, Cheung et al, 2007). The DNA

fragment, inactivated while virus or live-vectored strain of SARS-COV,

significantly reduced the viral infection in virus animal models (Yang, 2004;

42
 Vogel et al, 2004). Different other strains of SARS-CoV were also used to

produce inactivated vaccines which efficiently reduced the viral load in animal

models.

However, there are few vaccines in the pipeline against SARS-CoV-2. The

MRNA based vaccine prepared by the US National Institute of Allergy and

Infectious Disease against SARS-CoV-2 is under trial (Mc kay, 2020). Chinese

center for Disease Control and Prevention, working on the development of an

inactivated virus vaccine (Lee, 2020; Cheung, 2020).

2.4.5 Precautions of Covid-19

The aim of the strategic preparedness and response plan for Covid-19

(WHO,2020) is to control COVID-19 by suppressing transmission of the virus

and preventing associated illness and death (WHO, 2020). The virus is

primarily spread through contact and respiratory droplets.

To prevent transmission, WHO recommends a comprehensive set of measures

including:

1. Continuous use of a medical mask by health workers and care givers working in

all clinical areas, during all routine activities throughout the entire shift.

2. Use of contact and droplet precautions by health workers caring for suspected

and confirmed Covid-19 patients and use of airborne precautions when aerosol

generating procedures are performed.

43
3. Use of fabric masks in specific situations for example, in Public places where

there is community transmission and where other prevention measures such as

physical distancing.

4. Identify and quarantine all close contacts of infected people and test those who

develop symptoms so that they can be isolated if they are infected and require

care.

5. Identify suspect cases as quickly as possible, test and isolate all cases in

appropriate facilities.

6. At all times, practice frequent hand hygiene, physical distancing from others

when possible, avoid crowded places, close contact settings and confined and

enclosed space with poor ventilation, ensure good environmental ventilation in

all closed settings and appropriated environmental cleaning and disinfection.

44
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Study Area

The study was conducted in Imo state. Imo is in Southeast Nigeria. The state is

made of three Agricultural zone, namely Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe and twenty

seven Local Government Areas. Imo state lies within latitude 4045'N and 7015'N

and longitude 6050'E and 7025'E with an area of around 5,100Sqkm. It is bordered

by Abia State on the West, by the River Niger and Delta State on the west by

Anambra State to Owerri (IMSG, 2001).

The estimated population of Imo State as of 2021 is 6,347, 078 and the population

density is 833.5 people per square kilometer (Igwenagu, 2021). Imo state is a

predominantly Igbo speaking state, with Igbo people constituting a majority of

98%. The state has tropical climate characterized by two distinct seasons. The

rainy season commence in April and last until October with annual rainfall varying

from 1,500mm to 2,200mm (60-80 inches).

An average annual temperature above 200c (68.0g) creates an annual relative

humidity of 75%, with humidity reaching 90% in the rainy season. The dry season

experiences two months of Harmattan from late December to late February. The

hottest months are between January and March.

45
3.2 Sampling Procedure

Purposive sampling technique was used for this study. The population of the study

includes all the beekeepers in Imo state. The beekeepers are relatively small in

number in the State. The estimated number of beekeepers affected by Covid-19

pandemic was one hundred and twenty which was obtained from the Beekeepers

Association in Owerri, Imo State.

Therefore, since the number of beekeepers is small and manageable, the researcher

decided to sample all of them.

3.3 Data Collection

The study made use of both primary and secondary data. The primary data were

collected by administering questionnaire to beekeepers. Secondary data sources

were utilized to provide background information and other necessary to achieve

some objectives of the study such secondary data includes; textbooks, and

proceeding.

3.4 Data Analysis

Basically, descriptive statistics was used to achieve most of the objectives.

Frequency, and percentages presented in tabular forms were used to achieve

objectives 1,2,4 and 5. A four-point Likert type scale of Strongly Agreed( SA) =4,

Agreed (A) =3, Disagreed (D) = 2, Strongly Disagreed (SD) =1, was used to

achieve objective 3 of the study which is perceived ekffect of Covid-19 in

46
beekeeping. The weights of the scale of measurement were added together and

divided by the number of the scale.

2.5 Discriminating Index

Items with mean scores of 2.5 and above were adjudged used and below unused.

47
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Socio – Economic characteristics

Table 1: Distribution of the Respondents by Age

Age (Years) Frequency Percentage (%)

18 – 25 9 7.5

26 – 30 22 18.3

31 – 40 30 25.0

41 – 50 14 11.6

Above 50 45 37.5

Total 120 100

Source: Field Survey Data, 2021

Table 1 above shows that 37.5% of the respondents were aged 50 years and above.

They are followed by 25.0% who are between 31 – 40 years. Only 7.5% are within

18 – 25 years. This reveals that the respondents are active farming individuals who

have a good knowledge of the subject matter under investigation.

48
Table 2: Distribution of the Respondents by Marital Status

Marital Status Frequency Percentage (%)

Single 24 20.0

Married 73 60.8

Divorced 1 0.8

Separated 5 4.2

Widowed 17 14.1

Total 120 100

Source: Field Survey Data, 2021

The above table indicates that majority 60.8% are married they are followed by

20.0% who are single and 14.1% who are widows while 4.2% have separated and

0.8% are Divorced.

49
Table 3: Distribution of the Respondents by Education

Educational Level Frequency Percentage (%)

Non – formal Education 8 6.6

Primary Education 37 30.8

Secondary Education 43 35.8

Adult Education 32 26.6

Total 120 100

Source: Field Survey Data, 2021

The respondent’s educational qualification is shown in table 3 above. This

indicates that majority of the respondents 35.8% had Secondary Education, 30.8%

respondents had primary, 26.6% of the respondents had Adult Education, only

6.6% of the responds had non – formal Education.

50
Table 4: Number of Bee Hive

Number Bee Hive Frequency Percentage (%)

0 – 10 19 15.8

11 – 20 66 55.0

21 – 30 22 18.3

Above 30 13 10.8

Total 120 100

Source: Field Survey Data, 2021

Table 4 above shows that 55.0% of the respondents had up to 11 – 20 Bee Hives,

18.3% of the respondents had 21 30 Bee Hives and others.

51
Table 5: Distribution of Respondents by Membership Organization

Do you belong to any Frequency Percentage (%)

Organization
Yes 79 65.8

No 41 34.2

Total 120 100

Source: Field Survey Data, 2021

Table 5 above indicates that 65.8% of the respondents belong to an organization

and 34.2% of the respondents were not into any organization.

52
4.2 Sources of Information on Covid – 19 Pandemic

Table 6: Sources of Information on Covid – 19 Pandemic

Sources of Frequency Percentage (%)

Information

Television 34 28.3

Church 19 15.8

Social media 15 12.5

Family member 8 6.7

Town Crier 2 1.7

Market 14 11.6

Newspaper 7 5.8

Radio 10 8.3

Fellow beekeeper 11 9.2

Total 120 100

Source: Field Survey Data, 2021

Table 6 revealed sources of information on Covid – 19 Pandemic respondents. It

indicates that majority of the respondents 28.3% heard about Covid – 19 on

television, 15.8% heard about it in church, 12.5% of the respondents heard about it

on social media, market with 11.6%, follow beekeeper with 9.2%, 8.3% of the

respondent heard about it on radio, 5.8% of them on newspaper, 6.7% of them

53
heard about it from their family member and 1.7% of the respondents heard about

Covid – 19 Pandemic through Town Crier.

The study identified that the most common Source of Covid – 19 related

information were television. The top priority areas for additional information were

causes, signs and symptoms, and prevention techniques, age, religion, educational

status, and usage of the church, television and social media as a source of

information, as well as trust in the contents of social media and friends were the

variables associated with community needs for additional information on Covid –

19.

54
4.3 Effect of Covid – 19 on Beekeeping and production

Table 7: Effect of Covid – 19 on beekeeping and production

Effect of Covid – 19 on Beekeeping and SA A D SD XM SD

production
Low maintenance of bee colony. 83 18 12 7 3.47 0.97

Restricting movement of beekeepers 61 26 18 15 3.11 0.61

Unable to clean Hives 59 27 20 14 3.09 0.59

Feeding not done regularly 65 24 18 13 3.17 0.67

Absence of natural flowers 74 31 10 5 3.45 0.95

Low Income 69 31 13 7 3.35 0.85

Low Patronage 77 22 16 5 3.42 0.92

Colony losses 43 17 50 10 2.77 0.27

Reduction of demand of bee production 69 31 14 6 3.36 0.86

Starvation due to artificial feeding 33 14 62 11 2.57 0.07

Selling at low price 33 22 40 25 2.52 0.02

Unable to visit Apiaries 56 29 15 20 3.10 0.51

Cut off mark 2.5

Table 7 result shows based on 2.5 discriminating index of agreement, all items

were considered as perceived effects of Covid – 19 on beekeeping and production.

The items mean scores ranged from 2.52 to 3.45, while the standard deviation

ranged 0.02 to 0.97. The items that were in agreement included, low maintenance

55
of bee colony (x = 3.47) restricting movement of beekeepers (x = 3.11), unable to

clean hives (x = 3.09), low income (x = 3.35) and others. During the pandemic, the

products most demanded others. During the Pandemic, the products most

demanded by consumers from these beekeepers were honey and propolis

respectively. The study revealed that the beekeeping activities and the consumption

habits of beekeeping products by the beekeepers during the pandemic were

affected.

56
4.4 Survival strategies during Covid – 19

Table 8: Survival strategies during Covid – 19

Strategies used during Frequency Percentage (%)

Covid – 19
Income Diversification 118 98.3

Labour Diversification 119 99.2

Prostitution 12 10.0

Stealing of product 19 15.8

Labour Migration 104 86.7

Cooperatives formation 111 92.6

Paid Labour 115 95.8

Borrowed Money 119 99.2

Selling at low price 116 96.7

Petty Trading 105 87.5

Multiple response, Source: Field Survey Data, 2021

Total 8 shows the survival strategies used during diversification 99.2%, stealing of

product 15.8%, income diversification 98.3%, labour migration 86.7%, prostitution

10.0%, cooperatives 98.5%, borrowed money 99.2%, selling at low price 96.7%

and petty trading 87.5%.

57
4.5 Protocol and Procedures used by beekeepers during Covid-19 to avoid

spread.

Table 9 Protocol and Procedures used by beekeepers during Covid-19 to avoid

spread.

Protocol and Frequency Percentage (%)

Procedures used
during Covid – 19
Wearing of nose mask 120 100
Frequent washing of hands 120 100
with soap and water
Use of hand sanitizer 110 91.7
Stay at home if sick 109 90.8
Avoid close contact 120 100
Avoid touching eyes, nose 120 100
with unwashed hands
Stay six (6)ft away from 119 99.2
others
Avoid crowd and poorly 108 90.0
ventilated places
Test to prevent spread to 114 95.0
others
Cover cough and sneezes 115 95.8
Monitor your health daily 112 93.3
Multiple response, source: Field Survey Data, 2021

Table 9 shows the protocol and procedures used by beekeepers during Covid-19

Pandemic. It indicates that majority of the respondents 100% practiced wearing

nose mask, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, avoid close contact,

58
avoid touching your eyes, nose with unwashed hands and the least respondents

90% practiced avoid crowd and poorly ventilated spaces

59
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

This study revealed the perceived effect of Covid – 19 pandemic on beekeeping in

the study area to include; unable to visit apiaries (X = 3.01), low maintenance of

bee colony (X = 3.47), low income (X = 3.35), low patronage (X = 3.42), Colony

losses (X = 2.77), selling at low prices (X = 2.52), Cases loss to the beekeepers

and others. The respondents used hand sanitizer and nose mask to allow spread

Covid – 19 Pandemic causes low income, low patronage reduction of demand for

bee products, selling at low price to the beekeepers.

5.2 Conclusion

Apiculture is one of the most lucrative enterprises in many parts of the world. It is

a profitable business that has no negative impact on the environment and a viable

enterprise that requires very little investment and produces quick returns. In this

study we can see that, the perceived effect of Covid-19 on beekeeping are: low

income, low patronage, colony losses, unable to migrate beehives, unable to visit

apiaries, low maintenance of bee colony, restricting movement of beekeepers,

unable to clean hives, feeding not done regularly, absence of natural flowers,

reduction of demand for bee products, starvation due to artificial feed, selling at

low price.

60
From the findings of this study, recommendations were made that government

should assist interested beekeepers with soft loans and provide modern beekeeping

equipment’s such as movable frame hives, bee suit and honey extractors at

subsidized rates.

5.3 Recommendations

From the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made:

1. Government should assist interested beekeepers with soft loans and provide

modern beekeeping equipment’s such as movable frame hives, bee suit and

honey extractors at subsidized rates.

2. Beekeeping practices should be adopted as an integrated rural development

approach and should be promoted by a well-organized extension service to

act as a link between apiculture specialists and rural beekeepers.

3. Improvement in honey production by beekeeping practitioners will be a sure

way of adding market value to apiculture business and efforts should be

made by Nigerian Export Commission to showcase Nigerian honey in the

world market.

4. For beekeeping to be transformed from a subsistence activity to a business,

the rural beekeepers must have access to a market chain that is reliable and

efficient (UNCTAD, 2006).

61
5. The government should set up and encourage forest and game reserve

throughout the federation to prevent total destruction of the forest resources.

This would preserve the forest including wild life. It is suggested that an

enabling law be passed to properly check deliberate deforestation by

individual and cooperate bodies.

6. Care should be taken in the application and use of chemicals in the form of

pesticides and insecticides to avoid destruction of bees in the environment.

7. Bee hunters are advised to stop burning bee hives. Modern beehives

facilities are provided by government that would train people in the field of

apiculture. This will not only prevent the destruction of bees, it will also

improve the economic standard of local people and provide job opportunities

for the people.

8. Government concern is mandatory to improve beekeeper training, marketing

and overall beekeeping business which could contribute to the socio-

economic development of the farmers.

62
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 FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OWERRI,

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

PROJECT QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear Respondent,

I am a student at the above-mentioned university and department. I am

carrying out a research work on the “Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural

Beekeeping and Production in Imo State”.

I humbly solicit for your cooperation and appeal to you to kindly complete the

following questions below. This study is strictly for academic purpose and your

responses is highly needed and will be treated in confidence.

Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.

Yours Faithfully,

_________________

Njoku Blessing. C.

(Researcher)

70
 SECTION A
SOCIO ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
1. Name of Community: ________________________________
2. Village/Place of Residence: ___________________________
3. Marital Status: a) Single b) Married c) Divorced
d) Widowed e) Separated
4. Age: ____________________
5. Educational attainment: a) No formal education b) Primary education
c) Secondary education d) Adult education
6. Number of beehives: __________________
7. Do you belong to any organization: a) Yes b) No

SECTION B

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT COVID-19 PANDEMIC

1. Television

2. Church

3. Social media

4. Family member

5. Town crier

6. Market

7. Newspaper

8. Radio

9. Fellow Beekeepers

71
 SECTION C
WHAT ARE THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 IN BEEKEEPING AND
PRODUCTION?
PLEASE TICK ANY OF THE FOLLOWING BELOW.
SA- Strongly Agreed A – Agreed D – Disagreed SD – Strongly
Disagreed

Effect of COVID-19 on Beekeeping SA A D SD

Unable to visit apiaries
Low maintenance of bee colony
Restricting movements of beekeepers
Unable to clean hive
Feeding not done regularly
Absence of natural flowers
Low Income
Low patronage
Colony Losses
Reduction in demand for bee product
Starvation due to artificial feeding
Selling at low price

72
 SECTION D

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DID YOU DO TO SURVIVE DURING

COVID-19

1. Income Diversification
2. Labor Diversification
3. Prostitution
4. Stealing of produce
5. Labor Migration
6. Co-operative Formation
7. Paid Labor
8. Borrowed Money
9. Selling at Low Price
10.Petty Trading

73
 SECTION E

PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES USED BY BEEKEEPERS DURING

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

1. Wearing of Nose Masks

2. Frequently washing of hands with soap and water
3. Use of Hand Sanitizer
4. Stay at Home if Sick
5. Avoid Close Contact
6. Avoid Touching your eyes, nose with unwashed hands
7. Stay Six feet away from others
8. Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
9. Test to prevent spread to others
10. Cover coughs and sneeze
11. Clean and disinfect
12.Monitor your health daily

74