Structure, conduct and performance of honey marketing in West Pokot District, Kenya.

• Author: Kosgei, R.
• Position: Report

1. INTRODUCTION

   Apiary could provide a cheap and readily available source of energy and honey and other hive products that could assist in generating additional income that could be used to contribute to alleviating poverty as well as improving household food security and livelihoods. World production of honey during the 1990s was in excess of 1.2 million metric tonnes (MT) per year. Beeswax production was more than 50 000 MT per year. World demand for these products is substantially in excess of these amounts and is likely to increase even further. African production represents only 9.8 per cent of the world production of honey and 23.5 per cent of beeswax. Exports of honey from Sub-Saharan Africa countries and is sold on the world market. Thus, there seem to 2

   be considerable opportunities not only for increasing the quantity of Africa's major hive products but also for improving their quality (FAO, 2005). Apiary is well established in Kenya and can be successfully carried out in about 80% of the country. It is especially suitable in the semi-arid areas where other modes of agriculture are not very possible. Apiary contributes to incomes as well as food security through provision of honey, beeswax and pollen as food and propolis, bee's venom and royal jelly in medicine. It also contributes to seed and food production through crop pollination and conserves the natural environment. The country's potential for apiculture development is estimated at over 100,000 metric tons of honey and 10,000 MT of beeswax. At the moment only about one fifth of this potential is being exploited (MOA, 2000). Apiary and honey production represents an important natural resource that is yet to be exploited for the benefit of the people in the district. Apart from its primary role in supply in essential requirements, honey is commercially important. Though the primary objective of small scale farmers is producing honey for home consumption, the surplus is sold where upon marketing becomes a major consideration. However, there is no ready market, therefore this study was conducted to collect information on potential of honey marketing systems in West Pokot district.

   1.1 Problem statement

   The problem of the honey industry revolves around a poorly developed marketing system, lack of proper legislation to regulate the sub-sector and sub standard post harvest handling and processing. The research sought to identify ways of improving distribution, marketing, handling and legislation in the honey sub- sector with a view of making it a more viable economic undertaking.

   1.2 Objectives of the study

   The main objective of the study was to analyze honey marketing in West Pokot district of Kenya. The specific objectives were to:

   (1) Identify the determinants of honey supply in West Pokot district,

   (2) Analyze the structure of honey marketing in West Pokot district,

   (3) identify the market channels used in honey distribution in West Pokot district,

   (4) Identify the opportunities and constraints of honey production in West Pokot district.

   1.3 Significance of the Study

   Market analysis in terms of honey market structure, conduct and performance was used to identify the bottlenecks and come up with precise possible solution. Even though both honey and its by-products are economical and socially important, no adequate study has been made in the study area to improve the sector. This study therefore, has attempted to contribute to filling the information gap by investigating the honey production and factors affecting honey supply in West Pokot district. This study would generate useful information in order to formulate honey marketing development projects and guidelines for interventions that would improve the efficiency of honey marketing system. The potential users of this finding would be farmers (producers), traders, government and non-government organizations, that have an interest to intervene in honey marketing system. Researchers who want further investigation on honey marketing would use the results from this study.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

   The SCP model dates back to the pioneering work of the Harvard economist Edward Mason in the 1930's and of his doctoral student Joseph Bain in the 1950's originally used by the US government in grafting antitrust policy. The model gained...