Determinants of honey production among smallholder beekeepers: evidence from Baringo County, Kenya

Introduction Despite rising global demand for honey and honey products, production levels among smallholder beekeepers remain low. This study assesses the key determinants of honey production among beekeepers in Baringo County, Kenya. Methods The study used cross-sectional data from 197 beekeepers. An ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model was employed to analyse the determinants of honey production. Results The results indicate that education level ( β = 10.25, p < 0.01), beekeeping experience ( β = 4.87, p < 0.01), group membership ( β = 6.70, p < 0.01), number of beehives ( β = 3.52, p < 0.05), access to credit ( β = 0.001, p < 0.05), and use of modern beehives ( β = 9.30, p < 0.01) significantly increase honey production. In contrast, land size had a negative effect on honey output ( β = −6.49, p < 0.10). Discussion The findings highlight the importance of promoting modern beehive adoption to enhance productivity. Policy interventions should focus on expanding access to credit, providing targeted subsidies for modern beekeeping technologies, and strengthening beekeeper groups to support training and collective marketing. Integrated household- and institutional-level interventions are essential for boosting honey production, improving rural incomes and enhancing agricultural diversification and economic resilience in Kenya.