Assessment of Honey Production System and Beekeeping Practices in Bako Tibe District, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross sectional study was carried out from November 2013 to March 2014 to collect the information on Beekeeping practice in the study area. From this study, about 91.7% Traditional and 8.3% Transitional and Modern beekeeping system were identified. The honey yield/hive from traditional, transitional and improved hives was 10.1kg/year, 18.5kg/year and 29.6kg/year, respectively. Two honey flow seasons were identified in the study area. The major challenges of beekeeping were, Bee disease, pests and predators, pesticide poisoning, lack of beekeeping equipments and materials, lack of honey storage facilities, lack of skill poor extension service. Due to high potential of the study area for apiculture and good quality standard of the honey, it is recommended to exploit the potential for export market with better intervention. Further study is also required to characterize the honeybees of the area and major pests and diseases of economic importance and their control.