Beekeeping Development in Nepal: Benefits of <i>Apis cerana</i> Despite Lower Honey Production than <i>Apis mellifera</i>

Beekeeping in Nepal has been increasing for over a decade, facilitated by the diverse flora and fauna and climatic suitability. The two dominant bee species kept by farmers are <i>Apis cerana</i>, a native honey bee, and <i>Apis mellifera</i>, an exotic honey bee; both species are managed for honey production and other by-products on a commercial scale. In this study, we investigate the different beekeeping management practices adopted in Nepal and evaluate the economic opportunities provided by beekeeping, considering both the costs and benefits. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed to conduct face-to-face interviews with beekeepers who kept <i>A. cerana</i> and <i>A. mellifera</i>. The Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) was employed to measure the similarities and differences in beekeeping practices adopted by beekeepers when (while) rearing both bee species. Our results show that beekeepers adopt significantly different beekeeping management practices and obtain different outcomes while rearing each type of managed bee. Additional practices such as honey processing, identifying honey customers, storage duration, consulting extension workers, and membership of cooperatives and access to credit facilities showed significant differences among bee species. <i>Apis mellifera</i> honey production was found to be higher than that of <i>A. cerana</i>. In contrast, <i>A. cerana</i> rearing had a lower cost and generated a higher profit margin than <i>A. mellifera</i>. The findings indicate that keeping native honey bees such as <i>A. cerana</i> presents great opportunities for sustainable rural livelihoods due to its favorable cost-benefit analysis.