Value Chain Management of Wild Asiatic Honeybee Beekeeping in Huai Khot District, Uthai Thani Province
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Abstract
This article aimed to: (1) examine the socioeconomic conditions of wild Asian honey bee beekeepers in Huai Khot District, Uthai Thani Province; and (2) investigate the value chain management of the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) in the study area. A mixed-methods research design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed. Data were collected from 60 beekeepers through in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview guides comprising closed-ended and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative findings supported the interpretation of the results. The findings indicated that most respondents were male, aged 41–50 years, had completed upper secondary or vocational education, and primarily engaged in agriculture. In terms of value chain management, farmers depended on natural resources for obtaining bee colonies and hive materials, reducing production costs but causing seasonal fluctuations in productivity due to ecosystem conditions. Honey production was primarily based on local wisdom and traditional knowledge; however, farmers lacked systematic expertise in bee health management and quality control. Wild honey products possessed distinctive local characteristics and strong market identity, yet small-scale producers remained fragmented, limiting their bargaining power and increasing dependence on intermediaries. Additional constraints included inadequate information management systems, limited human resource development, and restricted access to modern technologies. The study suggests promoting farmer organizations through community enterprise models, enhancing capacity in farm management and modern marketing, improving product standards and obtaining certification from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and establishing community learning centers to facilitate technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and collaborative value chain management. These strategies are expected to strengthen the sustainability, competitiveness, and long-term development of wild Asian honey bee production while improving farmers' livelihoods and supporting sustainable rural development.
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