Technical efficiency of honey production in North Wollo Ethiopia using an endogenous stochastic frontier approach

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of honey production and production efficiency in North Wollo and Wag Hemra Zones of Ethiopia employing an endogenous stochastic frontier model. Endogenous stochastic frontier model results indicate that beekeeping experience, forage planting, harvesting frequency, and use of modern hives significantly enhance honey production. Specifically, an additional year of beekeeping experience increases output by 0.4%, while a one-time increase in harvesting frequency raises production by 1.2%. Forage planting and modern hive ownership further boost output by 15% and 9%, respectively. Efficiency analysis reveals that access to training reduces inefficiency, whereas reliance on traditional hives decreases inefficiency, suggesting that traditional hive ownership not only contributes to current productivity but also facilitates the transition to improved technologies. The estimation results indicate that, on average, beekeepers achieve 74% of their potential honey output, leaving a 26% efficiency gap in North Wollo and Wag Hemra zones. These findings stress the importance of forage plantation practice, expanding training opportunities and experience sharing, adopting modern hives, and gradual transition to improved technologies to narrow the efficiency gap and achieve the potential honey yield. Beekeeping experience, forage planting, harvesting frequency, and adoption of modern hives significantly enhance honey production in North Wollo and Wag Hemra zones of Ethiopia. On average, beekeepers operate at 74% of potential output, indicating a 26% efficiency gap that can be narrowed through targeted practices and technology adoption. Training access and traditional hive use play important roles in reducing inefficiency, with traditional hives aiding both productivity and the transition to modern technologies.