Sociodemographic Determinants of Productivity, Technology Adoption, and Perceived Sustainability Among Commercial Beekeepers in Morocco
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Beekeeping provides essential pollination services and livelihoods, yet it faces growing threats from climate change, pathogens, and management challenges.In Morocco, these pressures have reduced colony numbers and honey yields, but the influence of beekeepers' sociodemographic characteristics on productivity and sustainability remains underexplored.This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, geographical, and economic determinants of beekeeping productivity and perceptions of sustainability among commercial beekeepers in Morocco.A face-to-face semi-structured questionnaire was completed by 599 beekeepers in all parts of Morocco.The data measured included socio-demographic, operational structure, honey production, product diversification, and colony renewal strategies.Chi-square, multinomial logistic, and generalized ordered logit analyses were conducted.Beekeepers were predominantly male (70.1%), aged 31-50 years (79.3%), and highly experienced (>10 years, 88.2%).Most operated >500 hives (55.4%) using modern hives (79.0%).Modern hive adoption was strongly predicted by educational level (Nagelkerke R²=0.307), with secondary-educated beekeepers showing substantially higher adoption (OR=32.87,95% CI: 12.23-88.39).Product diversification was moderately predicted by sex (Nagelkerke R²=0.175), with females showing notably higher diversification (OR=0.071-0.125 for males vs. females).Generalized ordered logit models revealed that sociodemographic factors explained substantial variance in honey production across both thresholds (Nagelkerke R²=0.431 for ≥1 tonne; 0.590 for >5 tonnes), with sex showing the 1 Imane Morssli (corresponding
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7213769356