Influence of processors’ capacity on adherence to practices for quality propolis tincture production in Uganda
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Date
2025-11-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Crop Science Society
Abstract
Propolis tincture (PT), a relatively new and rapidly marketed bee product in Uganda, has attracted investors attention; owing to its medicinal attributes and domestic uses. As a result of the increasing interest in PT commercialisation, there are concerns about the quality of PT in the market place owing to lack of specified standards. This study, therefore, sought to assess the capacity of processors and document their adherence to the specifications and considerations for producing quality PT in Uganda. To address this knowledge gap, a cross-sectional study was undertaken, using qualitative and quantitative approaches. The survey involved a total of 124 respondents, subjected to a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire in Kampala metropolitan, and Lira and Arua cities in Uganda. This was supplemented with three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and seven Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Results showed that PTPs had low capacity with moderate adherence levels (P<0.01) to recommended practices. They used normative references (EAS 38, EAS 39, EAS 804) and National Beekeepers Training and Extension (NBTE) Manual to guide production. Availability of infrastructure, processing equipment, staff capacity building and human resource quality, influenced PTPs’ adherence (P<0.01), with 28.05 mean score out of 49 expected. The study recommends that actors and stakeholders in Uganda’s apiculture sub-sector should support PTPs to build their capacity, based on a holistic understanding of the business environment in Uganda.
Description
This research supports Uganda’s NDP IV by strengthening agro-industrial value chains and promoting quality standards in beekeeping. It highlights the challenges of low processing capacity and weak standards adherence, helping guide policy actions on skills training, infrastructure support, and regulation. The study promotes enterprise development, income growth, and export readiness in Uganda’s honey and bee products sector. It contributes to SDG 2 by supporting food-based livelihoods, SDG 8 through improved small business productivity, SDG 9 by encouraging standards and innovation, and SDG 12 by promoting safe, responsible production of natural products.
Keywords
Apiculture, Bee-keeping, Normative reference
Citation
Biryomumaisho, D., Amulen, D., Agea, J. G., Kugonza, D., Kajobe, R., Turyahabwe, N., Mubangizi, N., & Birungi, P. (2025). Influence of processors’ capacity on adherence to practices for quality propolis tincture production in Uganda. African Crop Science Journal, 33(4), 545–569.