Financial support services for beekeepers: a case study of development interventions in Fiji's Northern Division
Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies
ISSN: 2044-0839
Article publication date: 22 June 2021
Issue publication date: 22 March 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper analyses financial support services (loans and grants) from the perspective of beekeepers in Fiji's Northern Division.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method, case study approach was used with key informant interviews, focus groups, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.
Findings
Financial support was found to be an appropriate intervention. While beekeepers have access to loans, matching grants or small business grants to assist the establishment and growth of their activities, the appropriateness of these services varies based on the experience and skill of beekeepers. Capacity building was an important shortcoming in all financial services. It is recommended beekeeping clients undertake outcome-based, practical and/or mentorship-styled training to ensure beekeepers have the appropriate skills to maintain a viable enterprise.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited by a small sample size. Further research is needed to understand long-term impacts of financial support services and the availability and appropriateness of these within and between regions.
Social implications
Recommendations are provided to encourage effective financial support for beekeepers to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their activities. This can impact beekeepers' livelihoods by increasing household income and income security.
Originality/value
There is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of financial interventions to support beekeeping enterprises. This is the first study to compare financial support services from the perspective of beekeepers in the Pacific region.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR; LS/2014/42 & LS/2017/100). The authors would like to acknowledge and thank research partners in Fiji, in particular the Fiji Beekeepers Association and Ministry of Agriculture, without whom this research would not be possible. The authors would also like to acknowledge and thank research participants, who provided them with their time and great insights, as well as the reviewers, whose feedback was integral to the clarity and overall quality of the final manuscript.
Citation
Hinton, J., Schouten, C., Stimpson, K. and Lloyd, D. (2022), "Financial support services for beekeepers: a case study of development interventions in Fiji's Northern Division", Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 304-319. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-08-2020-0176
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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