Contribution of Beekeeping to Household Food Security among Small-Scale Farmers in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Beekeeping has increasingly been recognized as a livelihood diversification strategy with the potential to improve the welfare of rural households. However, empirical evidence on its contribution to household food security remains limited, particularly in rural South Africa. This study examines the contribution of beekeeping to household food security among small-scale farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Primary data were collected from 240 households using a purposive stratified sampling procedure across five district municipalities. Household food security status was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The results indicate that 42% of households were moderately food insecure, 30% were severely food insecure, and only 28% were food secure. An ordered probit regression model was employed to analyse the determinants of household food security. The findings show that household size (p = 0.031), employment status (p = 0.045), total household income (p < 0.001), participation in beekeeping (p = 0.001), access to extension services (p = 0.050), and production output (p = 0.006) significantly influence household food security status. Participation in beekeeping positively contributes to improving household food security. The study recommends strengthening support for rural households through improved access to extension services, beekeeping resources, and training programmes that enhance livelihood diversification and food security.