Mapping Apiculture in Lebanon: A National Survey of Practices, Challenges, and Management Strategies

This study provides the first nationwide assessment of the apiculture sector in Lebanon. It integrates socio-economic characteristics, technical practices, and disease and pest prevalence and management. A structured questionnaire was administered to 5775 beekeepers representing 91.1% of the registered population across all Lebanese governorates. The sector is predominantly small-scale, male-dominated, with low cooperative participation, limited product diversification and heterogeneous management practices. Honey is the main product, while other hive products remain marginal. Queen replacement practices are inconsistent, and most beekeepers reported limited awareness of pests and diseases. The most recognized threat is Varroa; however, multiple stressors such as pesticides, poor nutrition, and climate variability contribute to colony health constraints. Chi-square analyses revealed statistically significant associations between disease occurrence and geographic and socio-economic variables (χ2 = 129.99–2251.78, df 12–30, p < 0.001), with small to moderate effect sizes (Cramer’s V = 0.08–0.37), reflecting the multifactorial nature of colony health determinants. Overall, Lebanese apiculture demonstrates strong ecological potential but limited technical and organizational optimization. Strengthening extension services, improving disease diagnostics, and promoting diversification are critical to enhance sector sustainability.