Region-specific analysis of honey yield, profitability and price elasticity of demand in Benin

Beekeeping performance has widely been investigated, including challenges to the honey value chain. However, most studies did not focus on region-specific analysis, limiting the effectiveness of policy interventions. This study provides a region-specific analysis of honey yield, its profitability and price elasticity of demand, based on a survey of 427 actors across five major administrative areas (Zou, Collines, Borgou, Donga and Atacora) in Benin. The results revealed significant spatial disparities in honey production performance (F=8.258, p=2.12e-06), mainly driven by spatial disparities in technological advancements. Despite limited institutional support and the predominance of traditional hives in some regions, higher honey yields were observed in Atacora (mean = 258.12±40.43) and Donga (mean = 323.09±47.75), where beekeepers adopt more hives, underscoring the importance of scale alongside technology. Higher profitability was observed in the Zou and Collines region, where modern beekeeping technologies and organic practices are predominantly adopted. Price elasticity analysis indicated that honey demand is relatively inelastic in Collines, suggesting opportunities of price increase benefits for producers. The study highlights the need for targeted, region-specific interventions to increase technology adoption, strengthen institutional frameworks, and improve access to market, thereby maximizing the socio-economic impact of the beekeeping sector in Benin.