The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has intensified efforts to promote beekeeping and honey production as a sustainable source of household income, with experts warning against the growing circulation of adulterated honey in Nigerian markets. At a two-day seminar held in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) on February 9 and 10, 2026, stakeholders, researchers, and industry practitioners gathered to equip participants with practical knowledge on cottage honey production and best practices for improving yield and quality.
The seminar, themed around sustainable honey production and economic empowerment, forms part of an Institution-Based Research (IBR) project sponsored by TETFund. Participants were trained on the fundamentals of apiary establishment, colony management, and marketing strategies, with a strong emphasis on ensuring the originality and availability of pure honey to consumers. Organisers described the initiative as both an academic exercise and a community-oriented intervention.
Delivering his remarks during the Day One session titled “Honey Production for Sustainable Household Income,” the Principal Investigator and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Timothy Amos, explained that the project is designed to enhance livelihood opportunities within and beyond the university community. “The two-day event is aimed at boosting household income through honey production. It is part of our TETFund-sponsored research focused on practical and community-impact solutions,” he stated.
Professor Amos disclosed that the study underpinning the seminar seeks to assess awareness of honey’s health benefits among FUTA staff and students, establish an apiary for conserving native bee stocks, and evaluate the cost and profitability of honey production using top-bar technology. According to him, preliminary findings show that many respondents are aware of honey’s health benefits, while factors such as education level, income, age, and knowledge significantly influence consumption patterns. He recommended that marketers prioritize authenticity and accessibility to sustain consumer trust.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, underscored the importance of accountability in the use of research funds. She explained that the university deliberately channels research grants into applied studies capable of advancing food security, job creation, and household income. “Accountability is crucial for progress. As management, we decided to use research funds to support applied research that can directly impact society,” she said.
Drawing from her background as a nutritionist, Professor Oladiji described honey as a nutrient-rich alternative to refined sugar. “Honey contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is not just a sweetener; it has medicinal value, including use in wound healing,” she noted. She added that universities have a responsibility beyond teaching and publishing research. “Our duty is to ensure that research translates into community impact,” she emphasized.
The Vice-Chancellor further explained that promoting beekeeping aligns with government initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and self-reliance. She described the initiative as a productive alternative for students, noting that beekeeping can be undertaken during leisure time without interfering with academic commitments. “We are offering this as a sustainable activity that students can engage in without distraction from their studies. It provides a constructive outlet and a legitimate source of income,” she added.
Providing technical insights during a lecture titled “Cottage Honey Production for Improved Household Income,” Dr. Akinwande Kayode, a senior researcher in the Department of Biology, described cottage honey production as a small-scale, backyard enterprise designed for family consumption and local sales. He contrasted it with industrial beekeeping, which requires significant capital investment and advanced technology. “Cottage honey production is feasible for families and small entrepreneurs. It does not demand the massive infrastructure associated with industrial-scale operations,” he explained.
Dr. Kayode noted that Nigeria currently lacks a robust industrial beekeeping and pollination industry compared to countries like the United States. “In the U.S., some farms operate over 3,000 hives with advanced technology to maximize output. We are not yet at that scale,” he said. He also observed that financial institutions remain cautious about investing in beekeeping due to concerns about feasibility and structured frameworks within Nigeria.
Despite these challenges, he encouraged aspiring beekeepers to adopt proper site selection and management practices. According to him, apiaries should not be located near farms that use agrochemicals, highways, or unsuitable environments. He emphasized colony management techniques such as artificial feeding, swarm control, and regular hive inspections to maintain colony health and optimize production.
In another session titled “Establishment of Cultural Practices for Improved Honey Production,” the Chairman of the Big Keepers Association, Ondo State Chapter, Olarewaju Olorunyomi, stressed that beekeeping must be approached as a serious business venture rather than a hobby. “If you treat beekeeping casually, you will not get commercial results. It must be structured and intentional,” he said, recommending the Kenya top-bar hive made from hardwood as a durable and efficient option widely used in Ondo State.
Olorunyomi also issued a strong warning against the production and consumption of fake honey, often manufactured from sugar syrup. “Fake honey can damage health and destroy consumer confidence in the industry,” he cautioned. He emphasized the importance of regular hive inspections to prevent diseases and colony collapse disorder. Citing global examples, he noted, “The United States once lost about 35 percent of its colonies due to colony collapse disorder, while China gained 25 percent by taking preventive measures. Today, China is the largest honey producer because it learned from those lessons.”
As the seminar concluded, participants expressed optimism that the initiative would spark wider interest in beekeeping across campuses and communities. By combining research, training, and industry collaboration, FUTA’s intervention underscores the growing recognition of agriculture-based enterprises as viable pathways to economic empowerment. For stakeholders at the event, the message was clear: authentic honey production is not only a health imperative but also a strategic opportunity for sustainable development.
