Constraints Limiting Kenyan Women and Youth in Practicing Beekeeping: Future Prospects for Beekeeping in Kenya

Beekeeping, or apiculture, is the management of bee colonies typically in man-made hives, by humans for the production of honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly, and venom. In Kenya, beekeeping is an emerging enterprise gaining economic momentum and popularity among many communities. However, it remains a male-dominated industry, largely due to cultural norms, management practices, and attitudes toward bees. The overall objective of this study was to identify the challenges that women and youth face in participating in beekeeping activities and to explore solutions that can help enhance their involvement and livelihoods within their communities. A review of various studies revealed that the main constraints limiting Kenyan women and youths from participating in beekeeping are cultural taboos, restrictive traditions, negative attitudes, limited access to financial institutions and loans, and inadequate technological capacity. Additional barriers include weak institutional frameworks, limited managerial and marketing skills, and a lack of training opportunities. The potential solution lies in developing and adopting modern technologies to enhance productivity and accessibility in apiculture. The study concludes that capacity building, together with technological intervention, through the introduction of modern bee hives, at affordable prices and market innovations, is essential to encourage greater participation of women and youth in apiculture, to support sustainable rural development.