Bee Farming in Nigeria: Low-Capital, High-Demand Agribusiness

June 29, 2025

In a single year, a healthy beehive can produce up to 20 liters of honey—yet Nigeria continues to import thousands of tonnes to meet growing demand. Hidden in the gentle hum of these tiny pollinators lies one of Nigeria’s most promising and overlooked agricultural treasures: bee farming. Known formally as apiculture, bee farming is fast emerging as a sustainable, low-capital, and high-profit venture for Nigerians, especially youth and women. It doesn’t require acres of land or irrigation systems. All you need is a good location, flowering plants, and some understanding of bee behavior. Beyond its sweet rewards, beekeeping supports biodiversity, enhances crop yields, and contributes to food security. In a country battling climate change, rising unemployment, and rural poverty, bee farming offers more than honey—it offers real hope.

What is Bee Farming/Apiculture?

The term apiculture stems from the Latin word apis, meaning bee. It refers to the practice of breeding and maintaining bee colonies for the purpose of harvesting honey, beeswax, and other valuable byproducts. Beekeepers also monitor bee health, provide shelter, and prevent diseases within the hive. The impact of bee farming goes beyond just honey production—it plays a key role in pollinating crops, protecting ecosystems, and supporting agriculture.

Primary Products of Bee Farming:

Honey – The main and most marketable product.

Beeswax – A wax produced by worker bees, often used in candles, cosmetics, and polishes.

Propolis – A resin collected from trees, known for its antimicrobial and healing properties.

Royal Jelly – A nutrient-rich substance fed to queen bees and larvae, used in health supplements.

Bee Venom – Used in medical treatments and alternative therapy, believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Why Bee Farming Matters in Nigeria

Bee farming is gaining momentum across Nigeria, not just for its economic value but for its ability to contribute to sustainable agriculture. It’s unique among farming practices—requiring no irrigation, fertilizer, or expansive land. With rising consumer interest in organic and health-focused products, honey and beeswax have become highly sought-after both locally and internationally.

Beekeeping supports Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem by improving pollination, increasing crop yields, and offering rural families an additional source of income. For communities facing rural-urban migration and land degradation, apiculture offers a green alternative that aligns with climate change adaptation and economic empowerment. According to experts, individuals can start a bee farming business with less than ₦200,000 and begin to see returns within a year.

Bee Farming Potential in Nigeria

Nigeria’s rich biodiversity and favorable tropical climate offer year-round foraging opportunities for bees. From the mangroves of the south to the savannahs of the north, flowering plants such as mango, neem, cashew, citrus, and wildflowers provide ample nectar and pollen.

However, despite this natural advantage, Nigeria still imports honey. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2023) reports that Nigeria produces between 15,000–20,000 metric tonnes of honey annually, yet national demand exceeds 38,000 metric tonnes. This 18,000-tonne gap presents a golden opportunity for local entrepreneurs to venture into apiculture.

Additionally, global demand for organic honey is growing steadily. Nigeria’s untapped potential means that small-scale farmers can tap into both domestic and export markets with proper training, certification, and value chain support.

Steps to Start Bee Farming in Nigeria

Conduct Market Research:
Understand who your target customers are—supermarkets, individual consumers, cosmetic companies, or food vendors. Determine the most in-demand products in your area.

Startup Capital:
Bee farming is relatively affordable to start. You can locally source all essential equipment such as beehives, protective gear, smokers, and honey extractors. Bees need only a clean hive and a location rich in nectar, pollen, and water.

Construct a Beehive:
The beehive is the core of any bee farm. It is a man-made shelter that mimics the bees’ natural home, giving them a space to produce honey and build combs. The design and construction of the hive significantly affect productivity, ease of honey extraction, and protection from pests. Common hives include Top-Bar and Langstroth types, each with its benefits.

Site Selection:
Choose a quiet, flower-rich location away from urban pollution. The site should have access to water, minimal human traffic, and shade to maintain a suitable hive temperature.

Colony Acquisition and Hive Management:
Bees can be caught from wild swarms or purchased from other keepers. Managing the hive involves regular checks, protecting against pests, ensuring food supply in the dry season, and planning harvests.

Harvesting and Processing:
Harvest honey during peak seasons using hygienic methods. Extracted honey should be filtered and stored in clean, sealed containers. Beeswax and other byproducts can also be collected for additional income.

Challenges of Bee Farming in Nigeria (Real-Life Contexts)

Insecurity, Theft, and Vandalism:
Farmers in Edo State report frequent attacks by herders who destroy hives, steal equipment, and threaten their operations. In Abuja’s satellite towns—Abaji, Kwali, Dobi, Bwari, and Gwagwalada—over ₦50 million worth of beekeeping materials were lost to theft and vandalism, according to local reports.

Pests, Predators, and Agrochemical Exposure:
In Benue State, bush burning, hive pests, and chemical spraying on nearby farms have led to absconding swarms and reduced productivity. A study from Southwest Nigeria showed a 40–60% drop in hive success rates due to pests like small hive beetles, termites, varroa mites, and pesticide drift.

Lack of Training and Awareness:
Many aspiring beekeepers jump into the business without formal knowledge, leading to poor hive management, unproductive colonies, and contaminated products. Without proper education, the risk of failure is high.

Limited Access to Finance and Equipment:
Modern hive equipment and tools are often too expensive for small-scale farmers. Without access to loans or cooperative support, many cannot scale their operations.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Bee farming in Nigeria is more than just a sweet venture—it’s a strategic solution to economic, environmental, and agricultural challenges. It offers a sustainable, low-risk income stream that is especially suitable for young people and women. With rising demand for honey and pollination services, now is the time to invest in apiculture.

Government agencies, NGOs, and private investors must provide the training, funding, and market access needed to grow this vital sector. By doing so, we can empower a new generation of beekeepers, protect our food systems, and build a more sustainable and profitable future for Nigeria.

Let’s harness the buzz. The hive holds the key.