Economic potentials of bee and mushroom production among residents of coastal communities in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The mangrove ecosystems in Nigeria, especially in Cross River State, are critical for climate resilience, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. However, unsustainable exploitation threatens their ecological integrity and the socioeconomic stability of dependent communities. This study explores bee and mushroom production as nature-based alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on mangrove resources using snowball sampling across Bakassi, Calabar Municipality, and Calabar South, where 23 producers (20 mushroom farmers and three (3) beekeepers) were surveyed. Profitability was evaluated using budgetary techniques, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). Socio-economic profiling revealed that mushroom farming is predominantly female-driven and education-intensive, while beekeeping is dominated by older men with relatively lower levels of formal schooling. Financial analyses demonstrate that both enterprises are highly profitable. Bee production achieved an IRR of 25.8% and a BCR of 6.77, with NPVs remaining positive across discount rates of 20–30%, confirming resilience against inflation and high borrowing costs. Mushroom farming, by contrast, yielded exceptionally high short-cycle returns, with a profit margin of 85.1%, ROI of 5.7%, and BCR of 6.71. The cost–return structure showed that annual revenues from mushroom farming (₦12.96 million) were nearly seven times higher than total costs (₦1.93 million), emphasising its efficiency and accessibility. Sensitivity analyses further revealed that profitability in bee enterprise is highly responsive to changes in discount rates, initial investment, and product prices, highlighting the importance of financial planning and market stability. Beyond profitability, the study situated bee and mushroom enterprises within broader themes of livelihood resilience and sustainable development. Mushroom farming recycles agricultural waste into substrates, while beekeeping enhances biodiversity through pollination, both aligning with climate-smart agriculture and circular economy principles. The findings suggest that targeted policies promoting gender-sensitive support, affordable financing, cooperative models, and market development can enhance adoption and sustainability.