ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN APIARY FARMING IN GWERI SUB COUNTY, SOROTI DISTRICT
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2026-08-28
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OSOGOR MORRIS
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the factors influencing youths' participation in apiary farming in Gweri Sub- County, Soroti District. The purpose of the study was to understand the socio-economic factors, motivational factors, and challenges influencing youths' engagement in apiary farming. A cross-sectional survey research design employing a mixedmethods approach was used. Data were collected from 60 youth respondents using structured questionnaires, while qualitative information was obtained through key informant interviews and observation. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
The findings showed that access to start-up capital was the most significant socio-economic factor influencing youths' participation, with 80.0% of the respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that it affected participation. Other key factors included the ability to integrate apiary farming with other activities (76.7%), market demand for honey (75.0%), expected income from apiary farming (71.7%), and availability of land (66.7%). The major motivational factors were availability of start-up training and access to modern beehives, each reported by 75.0% of respondents. However, participation was mainly hindered by lack of capital (81.7%), inadequate technical knowledge and skills (75.0%), pests and diseases (73.3%), inadequate markets and low honey prices (68.3%), fear of bee stings (66.7%), theft (65.0%), and land-related challenges (60.0%). Basing on the study findings, it was concluded that increasing youths' participation in apiary farming requires improved access to affordable finance, practical training, modern beekeeping equipment, extension services, reliable markets, and secure apiary sites. Therefore, it is recommended that government and stakeholders support should be strengthened to address these constraints and promote apiary farming as a sustainable livelihood and employment opportunity for youths in Gweri Sub- County.
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OSOGOR MORRIS