Perceived Effects of Climate Change on Honey Production in southeast, Nigeria

<p>At a global level, the negative impact of climate change is being felt in bee farming. However, despite numerous studies conducted on climate change, empirical research incorporating bee production under increased climate change is still relatively scanty in the area. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of climate change on honey production in Imo State, Nigeria. From the specific objectives that guided the study, we ascertained bee farmers awareness of climate change; ascertained their sources of information on climate change; determined the perceived effects of climate change on bee production; and ascertained the observable changes in climate change among bee farmers. Multistage and purposive sampling procedures were used in the selection of fifty (50) bee farmers. A purposive sampling procedure was used to select only farmers who are involved in bee farming activities. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as the flowchart and mean score of the Likert-type scale. All (100.00%) of the bee farmers were aware of climate change. Cooperative society (98.00%) and radio (90.00%) were among the major sources of awareness of climate change of the bee farmers. Farmers identified honey (96.00%) and beeswax (86.00%), among others, as the various products from bee farming. Findings further show that the bee farmers perceived that climate <strong>change affected habitat environments (</strong>x̄ = 3.30; σ = 0.71<strong>), </strong>resulted in <strong>extreme weather events (</strong>x̄ = 2.94; σ = 0.55<strong>), and resulted in increased pest and disease </strong>infestation (x̄ = 3.16; σ = 0.74), among others. <strong>Also, changes in bee workload and behavior (94.00%),</strong>increased competitive relationships in the colony (90.00%), and increased sunshine duration and rainy days in the colony (74.00%), among others, were among the observable changes of climate change as stated by the bee farmers. In conclusion, the study showed that the bee farmers require information and demonstrations to improve their climate change adaptation strategies and implement new ones to address the challenges they experience, which should be provided by the extension agents. Therefore, agricultural extension system should be strengthened by the government to provide bee farmers with up to date information and training in the area. The study also recommends that the bee farmers be encouraged to form a cooperative society so they could collectively pool productive resources together in obtaining inputs and financial resources in adapting effectively to climate change in the study area.</p>