Opportunities and Constraints in Honey Production and Marketing: The Case of Shebedino District, Sidama Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Abstract

Apiculture is considered as one of the income-generating activities for resource-poor farmers including women, youth and the unemployed sectors of the community. It also provides attractive options for rural employment and income generation in harsh agro-ecosystems where crop production is marginal and the risk of crop failure is high. Even though, various constraints were hindering production and marketing of honey in Shebedino district of Sidama zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia which is the second highest producer of honey in Sidama Zone. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of investigating opportunities and constraints hindering honey production and marketing in Shebedino district. To achieve this objective, both primary and secondary data have been collected from 156 farm households, 31 traders, 7 processors and 30 consumers and various literatures. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS statistical package. The result of the study indicated that farmers’ indigenous knowledge of beekeeping; agro-ecological condition of the Woreda ; support of governmental organizations and some other NGOs; availability of strong domestic market for honey, high production, and ease of licensing were identified as the main opportunities in honey production and marketing. Changes in weather condition, pests and predators, some pesticides used in crops, absconding, absence of some modern beekeeping equipment, lack of scientific knowledge on beekeeping, low participation of women in the sector, seasonality of honey and price fluctuation were identified as constraints in honey production and marketing in the study district. Keywords: Apiculture, opportunities, challenges DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-23-06 Publication date: December 31 st 2019