Study of melliferous potential and contribution of beekeeping to the household economy in the commune of Madarounfa in Niger

Conducted in the urban commune of Madarounfa, this study aims to analyze the potential of honey production and the contribution of beekeeping to the economy of rural households. The study covered six villages namely Saulawa, Tsola, Kabobi, Bargaja, Dan Toudou and Garass. A total of 39 beekeepers were identified and surveyed. In addition to the survey, visits and observations were carried out on the production sites to assess the technical production outlet as well as the quantity and quality of the honey obtained. Although, the production of honey is artisanal, this activity constitutes a significant source of income. The results of the study revealed that the beekeepers of the commune of Madarounfa have a long experience in the field and this due to the melliferous potentialities that exist in this ecological zone. In fact, 28 melliferous species have been identified. Species like Vitellaria paradoxa and Faidherbia albida are the most visited by the bees. It also appears that the production of honey is very variable according to the seasons. Thus, the cold season from November to January is the favorable period to the high production of honey. The income from the sale of honey is very appreciable and turns on average around 114,862 FCFA / year per beekeeper and per village. Despite this significant contribution to the household economy, beekeeping faces enormous difficulties including the lack of support from partners, lack of organization of beekeepers and the lack of an adequate management plan.