| Summary: | This comparative study investigates the motivation and perceived contributions
underpinning hobby beekeepers, as well as how they perceive appreciation and/or
awareness of their contribution among the broader society. An online
questionnaire gathered data from 800 hobby beekeepers in Australia, New
Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Beekeeping is predominantly practiced as a
hobby (62.3%), which is distantly followed by helping to protect the environment
and an interest in beekeeping in terms of motivations for participation. In addition,
pollination, supporting the food chain, and preserving nature were revealed as key
contributions of hobby beekeeping. Over half of participants perceived limited
concern, awareness, and appreciation among external stakeholders (e.g., the
public, society). Various intergroup differences concerning the main dimensions
explored were confirmed. The overall findings allowed the development of a
model which highlights the significance of ‘perceived contributory leisure’,
whereby participants’ leisure activities can have wider societal implications.
|
|---|