Investigation of Factors that Affect Beekeeping and Honey Production Practices in Sayo District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia.
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Date
2018-09-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Beekeeping is a long-standing practice in the rural communities of Ethiopia and appears as ancient history of the country. Despite the long tradition of beekeeping in Ethiopia and having potential for beekeeping, the beekeepers in particular and the country in general are not well benefited from the sub-sector. Moreover, the study area is covered with natural vegetations, shrubs and man-made forest, annual and perennial crops which create conducive environment for beekeeping. However, beekeeping activities are still at low level and could not exploit the existing potential. The main objective of this research was to assess the factors that affect development of beekeeping and honey production in the study area. Household survey and key informant interview were used to collect primary data. To conduct the household survey structured questionnaire was prepared in English language first and translated to mother tongue. In order to collect primary data multiple stage technique of sampling was employed. Accordingly, three sample kebeles were selected purposively and 90 sample beekeepers were selected using simple random sampling technique. Households‟ survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics; percentages, frequencies. It was found that shortages of bee forages, application of pesticides and herbicides, pests and predators, previously unknown and recently emerged red color flower, farmers inclination to traditional beekeeping method, lack of extension services, expensiveness of improved hives and lack of allocation of budget for beekeeping activities, absence of man-power who have specialized in apiculture are the major factors that hindered the development of beekeeping in the study area. Based on the findings of the study the researcher recommends: Education for beekeepers how to prevent enemies of bees, mobilizing the community to destroy the recently arriving poisonous plant, an arrangement to make improved hives, strong extension services, sustainable awareness creation activities among the farmers with respect to beekeeping activities, recruitment of man-power specialized in beekeeping, budget allocation specific to beekeeping activities, attention in producing professionals who have specialized in apiculture and adoption of policy specific to beekeeping sub-sector.
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Keywords
Beekeeping, Honey, Beehive, Households, Beeswax