Journal article
Three decades of apiculture decline in the Solomon Islands reveal critical gaps in sustainable beekeeping industry development
Journal of apicultural research, Vol.Latest Articles, pp.1-13
15/04/2026
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Abstract
Apiculture features strongly in international development programs seeking to stimulate sustainable economic development in low- and middle-income countries. However, the sustained long-term impact of these programs is seldom reported, and rates of attrition amongst beekeeping adopters remain high. Despite the history and prevalence of beekeeping industries and rapidly increasing investments in the Pacific region, very little is known about the status of the apiculture sector. This study used face-to-face key informant interviews and value chain analysis in 2023 to provide an overview of the size and scope of the beekeeping industry in the Solomon Islands. While historically strong per-hive honey yields supported substantial domestic production and export, and current demand and retail prices are high, this research reveals the beekeeping industry to be in significant decline. Since 1990, the number of bee hives, total honey production and beekeepers has decreased by 42%, 84% and 51%, respectively. The farmgate value of honey was estimated to be SBD $1.875 m per annum. Major impediments to the development of the beekeeping industry include limited research, development, and extension services, limited succession planning; undiagnosed honey bee pests, insufficient access to consistent, outcome-based training; high start-up costs; and the impacts of climate change. This research highlights the need for more targeted and strategic approaches and investments in the apiculture sector – in the Pacific region and more broadly in low and middle-income countries – to diagnose and address root causes of constrained sector development to appropriately support the development of viable and economic and livelihood opportunities.
Details
- Title
- Three decades of apiculture decline in the Solomon Islands reveal critical gaps in sustainable beekeeping industry development
- Creators
- Cooper Nat Schouten - Southern Cross UniversityMatthew Polinsky - Manitoba Lung AssociationAnneliese Austin - Southern Cross UniversityWale Tobata - University of the South Pacific - Solomon Islands CampusIsabella Cristina de Castro Lippi - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Journal of apicultural research, Vol.Latest Articles, pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
- LS/2014/42 / Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
- Identifiers
- 991013372707702368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article