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Foreword
The root cause of under-development is poverty. In Africa, during the last three decades, there has been a decrease in production of traditional export crops, as well as the unsustainable exploitation of indigenous forests and agricultural land. Insects are notorious pests and vectors of disease. Their potential benefit to the environment is often overlooked. Among the many activities that might assist the poor to escape their vicious cycle of poverty, are the raising of bees and silkworms in the practice of apiculture and sericulture.
The initial wealth of Asian countries originated with the silk trade. Beekeeping was also an important component of the early Asian economy. Currently, Africa is a known producer of honey, but the yield and quality of the honey produced is low. Increasing the profitability of beekeeping would require adapting apicultural techniques for the African culture and environment. With silk production however, the continent has little experience in sericulture, and the technology needs to be introduced at a basic level.
The profitability of any enterprise is the key to its success. To this end, the evaluation of marketing strategies, product quality enhancement, and the sustainability of production, should be addressed. At the moment, sericulture and apiculture are two new industries being developed in Africa. The technologies will enable small landholders to increase their economic well being through self-reliance, and not fleeting financial aid.
Hans R. Herren, Director General The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). Nairobi Kenya
Publication Date
2000
Recommended Citation
Raina, S. K. (2000). The Economics of Apiculture and Sericulture Modules for Income Generation in Africa. Retrieved from https://thehive.icipe.org/manuals/8