Nganso, Beatrice T.Soroker, VictoriaOsabutey, Angelina F.Pirk, Christian Walter WernerJohansson, TinoElie, NtirenganyaOtieno-Ayayo, Z. NgaloIbrahim, Mohammed M.Ndungu, N.N.Ayalew, WorknehWubie, Abebe J.Taboue, Geraud C. TasseFameni, Sidonie T.Bobadoye, Bridget O.Assefa, FreweiniSubramanian, Sevgan2024-03-252024Beatrice T. Nganso, Victoria Soroker, Angelina F. Osabutey, Christian W.W. Pirk, Tino Johansson, Ntirenganya Elie, Z. Ngalo Otieno-Ayayo, Mohammed M. Ibrahim, N.N. Ndungu, Workneh Ayalew, Abebe J. Wubie, Geraud C. Tasse Taboue, Sidonie T. Fameni, Bridget O. Bobadoye, Freweini Assefa & Sevgan Subramanian (2024): Best practices for colony management: a neglected aspect for improving honey bee colony health and productivity in Africa, Journal of Apicultural Research, 63:3, 438-455, DOI: 10.1080/00218839.2024.2308418.0021-8839 (print)2078-6913 (online)10.1080/00218839.2024.2308418http://hdl.handle.net/2263/95341Apiculture has a well-recognized role in enhancing food security by pollination services around the globe. Besides, apiculture is an extremely valuable income-generating and job-creating activity for millions of men, women, and youths across Africa through trade of hive products, especially honey. However, the yields of honey and other hive products are apparently below the optimum in most African countries. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of the local honey bee subspecies and current apicultural practices in relation to the factors that can potentially influence colony productivity. We highlight some potential factors affecting colony management and productivity and discuss research gaps that need to be addressed in order to improve the profitability and the sustainability of apiculture on a large scale in Africa.en© 2024 International Bee Research Association. This is an electronic version of an article published in Journal of Apicultural Research, vol. 63, no. 3, pp. 438-455, 2024, doi : 10.1080/00218839.2024.2308418. Journal of Apicultural Research is available online at : http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tjar20.ApicultureColony managementHoneybee (Apis mellifera)LandscapeHive typesGeneticsSDG-02: Zero hungerPostprint Article