Value Chain Analysis of Native Honey Bee ( Apis cerana ) from the Central Himalayas: A Case Study of Humla District, Nepal

Apis cerana is native to the Himalayan region of Nepal and has been closely integrated into traditional farming systems for generations. Bees play a vital role in the ecosystem as pollinators, and the honey provides a source of income for rural farmers. This study presents the honey value chain in Humla district, Nepal, based on a semi-structured survey with 250 beekeepers. On average, respondents managed 6.6 ± 5.41 beehives, producing 9.2 ± 5.4 kg of honey per hive annually, and majority of respondents (52.4%) had over 15 years of beekeeping experience. Around 52.1% of the honey was sold at the farm level at an average price of USD 12.53 per kg, compared with USD 15.13 per kg sold by local traders and USD 22.70 per kg by retailers in Kathmandu. This significant price increase along the value chain demonstrates both considerable market potential and the limited integration of local beekeepers into higher-value markets. The key actors identified were input suppliers, producers, traders, retailers, and consumers. Major constraints included limited beekeeping knowledge (97%), pests and predators (78%), weak marketing linkages (46%), and lack of equipment (45%). Establishing district-level beekeeping training and market support could enhance livelihoods and improve honey value chain.