Abstract
The study was planned to assess beekeeping practices, trends and constraints of beekeeping production in Bale, south-eastern Ethiopia in 2014/2015. Three districts were considered based on variations in agro-ecology (high, mid and lowlands). From each districts, two Rural Kebele (RKs), from each RK, 30 beekeepers and a total of 180 beekeepers were selected using purposive sampling method. The selected beekeepers were interviewed using pre-tested structure questioners and single- visit - multiple formal survey method to collect the data. The data revealed that the majorities (98.26%) of the respondents follow traditional production system. An average honeybee colony holding size of the study area was about 6.18 per head with 5.70 kg mean honey yield per traditional hive and no record for transitional and movable-frame beehives. From result of this study, the major challenges of beekeeping identified were: Application of herbicides and pesticides, pests, lack of beekeeping equipment’s, shortages of bee forages, lack of improved beehives, migration, absconding, lack of extension services, swarming, and death of bee colonies in order of their importance. The study identified major beekeeping constraints and beekeeping practices in Bale zone. Hence, it requires high attention and both techniques and technology intervention to make benefit of the large beekeepers in Bale zone and the country in general. Key words: Beekeeping, practices, trends, honeybees, constraints, marketing, Bale.
Highlights
Beekeeping has been practiced since ancient times and honey has been considered by many cultures as a valuable and precious commodity that is used in traditional rituals, healing or as food (Lietaer, 2009)
The study was conducted in Bale Zone of Oromia Regional State which is located in Southeastern part of Ethiopia within 7°, 00’N and 39° 45’E and 7°, 30’N and 39°, 30’E of latitude and longitude, respectively (Ethiopian Mapping Authority, 1988)
Beekeeping practices in Bale is an ancient farming activity which was practiced as a side line activity with other farm activities
Summary
Beekeeping has been practiced since ancient times and honey has been considered by many cultures as a valuable and precious commodity that is used in traditional rituals, healing or as food (Lietaer, 2009). In most countries of the world bees and their products are well known and have wide consumer preference, but provide sustainable livelihoods to many small scale farmers and other rural and non-rural people (FAO, 2012). There is an ancient tradition for beekeeping in Ethiopia which stretches back into the millennia of the country's early history (Girma, 1998). Ethiopia is a leading country in Africa and ninth in the world in honey production, respectively. It stands first in Africa and third in the world in beeswax production (CSA, 2012; MoARD, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
