BEEKEEPING PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGIES OF SELECTED DISTRICTS OF SIDAMA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Bilate and Gorche districts of Ethiopia's Sidama region with aim to assess beekeeping production, management practices, opportunities, and challenges across different agro-ecologies (highland, midland, and lowland). About 165 beekeepers from six peasant associations across the three agro-ecologies were purposefully selected. A combination of methods including structured and semi-structured questionnaires, key informant discussions, and honey yields data for three hive types (frame, top-bar/Ethio-ribrab transitional and traditional) were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 2022 software. The majorities (98.18%) of respondents in the study area were males and only 1.18% female house households participated in bee keeping production. Majorities (53.3%) of the households were literate and they were able to read and write while 9% were illiterate. The result showed that over 40% of beekeepers had extensive experience (>10 years), while about 28% were relatively new (<5 years). Traditional hives were the most common type owned by beekeepers. On average, respondent beekeepers hold 6.92 colonies, distributed as 3.92, 8.46, and 6.95 colonies per household in lowland, midland, and highland areas, respectively. Traditional hives: Average annual honey yield varied by agro-ecologies (5.56-5.85 kg/hive).Transitional hives (top-bar and Ethio-ribrab) Yields were higher than traditional hives across all agro-ecologies (8.86-12.55 kg/hive). Highest average yields were recorded in frame hives across all agro-ecologies (10.53 12.55 kg/hive). About 70% of beekeepers reported swarming was a common occurrence. Over 91% of beekeepers reported colony absconding, with drought and shortage of food identified as leading causes. The study showed that only 28% of beekeepers practiced honey straining. Birds and ants were the most frequently reported insect pests in the study areas. Three honeybee types were identified based on color and productivity. The majority of respondents (51.52%) did not undertake internal inspection of their bee colonies. The study showed that Vernonia Spp, Croton macrostachyus, Eucalyptus spp, Persea Americana, Coffee arabica and Cordia africana were some of the major honey bee plants identified by respondents in the study districts. The major challenges of beeping were agrochemical application (herbicides/pesticides), bee predators (ant and birds), lack of market access in villages and towns , and limited market information. The main opportunities of honey bee keeping development in the study areas were existing bee colonies, extension services, abundant floral resources and water for bees, employment opportunities, and Indigenous beekeeping knowledge. Frame, top-bar, and Ethio-ribrab hives showed high honey yield potential in mid- and lowland zones. The study suggests that beekeepers in mid- and lowland areas can benefit from adopting frame, top-bar, or Ethio-ribrab hives for increased honey production. Addressing the identified challenges and promoting existing opportunities can enhance beekeeping sustainability and improve honey production in the region. Governmental and NGOs intervention, on introducing appropriate beekeeping technologies with all accessories, strengthening the management practices through training for beekeepers is important