Evaluation of Selected Apicultural Practices in Combating Climate Change on Production of Honey

This work was conducted to evaluate seven apicultural practices on honey production with a view to combating effect of climate change in honey production. The work was carried out at the onstation apiary demonstration (Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Agroforestry Unit) Okitipupa, Nigeria between August 2021 and March 2023. The on-station apiary layout was carried out on a primary forest within bees’ friendly environment. The treatment combination consists of five different baiting materials, planting of floral along the apiary alley ways, provision of water during the dry season and provision of additional food source. The results showed average pure honey yield (phy top bar 12kg), framed hive pure honey yield (17kg,), average total revenue per hive (15 thousand Naira). The results further showed that provision of additional water source reduced the rate of absconding during the dry season, 65 percent colonization was achieved with hives treatment with foundation wax However, provision of additional honey food two months after colonization enhanced the yield of the honey and dryness of combs. Significant differences (P < 0.05) exist between the rate of productivity of top bar hives and framed hives. Foundation wax is therefore recommended as the best baiting material to use as it enhances faster colonization and provides food for the bees during austere floral as this will reduce the rate of bees absconding