Modern Hives Research Articles

Beekeepers’ adaptation to climate change and variability in Ada Berga District, Oromia, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Beekeeping offers income-generating opportunities for rural households but is threatened by climate change and variability. Adaptation strategies are assessed through semi-structured interviews focus groups, key informants and personal observation: in Ada Berga District, beekeepers have adopted supplementary feeding, modern hives, planting and hive shading to mitigate climatic impacts. A multivariate probit model (MVP) suggests that choices made in combining various adaptation strategies depend on socio-economic, institutional and demographic factors.

Beekeeping practices and challenges at Lemo District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Beekeeping has been an integral part of the Ethiopian agriculture and yielding 1.3% of agricultural GDP. Hence, the study was aimed to evaluate the purpose of beekeeping and major constraints impeding beekeeping practices at Lemo District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Questionnaires were organized to collect survey data. A multi-stage purposive sampling technique was used and one hundred forty respondents (140 beekeepers) were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Key informant interviews and Focus group discussion to support the interpretation of the interview data. The data were organized and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance via Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Accordingly, beekeeping was mostly carried out using traditional hives. From beekeeper’s respondents 80%, are involved in beekeeping mainly for both income and household consumption. Beekeepers use income obtained from beekeeping for buying crop inputs, payment for annual land taxation, and purchase food grain. The mean honey yield of traditional log hives, transitional top-bar hives, and modern hives with frames were 5.25 ± 0.38, 7.52 ± 0.54, and 12.78 ± 0.56 kg per hive per year, respectively. The most hampering factors for honey bee production were honey bee diseases, improper pesticide application, and shortage of bee forage. The finding of this study concluded that beekeeping was mostly carried out using traditional hives. Hence, well-organized training should be given for the beekeepers to practice internal colony inspection and improved beekeeping technologies via a full package program. Efforts should be geared to alleviate constraints like honey bee diseases, improper application of pesticides, and bee forage shortage hampering beekeeping in the district.

Study on Major Parasitic Diseases of Adult Honeybees in Three Districts of Kaffa Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Results Out of 384 samples, the overall prevalence of small hive beetle, Nosema apis, and amoeba (Malpighamoeba mellificae) diseases was 39%, 45.3%, and 40.3%, respectively. The overall prevalence of these three diseases was ascertained, with a statistically significant (p < 0.05) variation in the overall prevalence of N. apis disease and amoeba (M. mellificae) disease between hive type and agroecologies. Conclusion The research indicates that N. apis, M. mellificae, and small hive beetle are the major parasites that affect honeybees in the study area. In order to classify and describe honeybee diseases and pests associated with Ethiopia's local honeybees, several field diagnostic surveys and laboratory research works need to be performed.

Comparative profitability analysis and resource use efficiency of beekeeping using wooden and poly hive in some selected areas of Bangladesh

Apiarist traditionally adopt wooden hive in beekeeping. Modern poly hive provides a superior environment to raise and keep the honeybee population more vigorous due to its high-tech internal facilities and sanitary system. This study was conducted to examine the comparative profitability and resource use efficiency of beekeeping using traditional wooden hive and modern poly hive in Bangladesh during 2017-18. A total of 60 beekeepers, all have traditional wooden hive and 15 have modern poly hive, were randomly selected from Sirajganj, Gazipur and Satkhira districts to conduct farm level survey with pre-tested questionnaire. Findings of the study reveal that per hive gross and net return were Tk. 11019.26 and 4082.45 for wooden hive and Tk. 27373.34 and 19838.42 for poly hive, respectively. Total cost of beekeeping was Tk. 6936.81 and 7534.92 per hive for wooden and poly hive, respectively. Besides, benefit-cost ratios (BCR) were 1.59 and 3.63 for wooden and poly hive, respectively. Cobb-Douglas production function analysis reveals that labour, transportation, insecticide, equipment, hive and rental costs had significant influence on the returns of beekeeping. More than two times higher BCR and significant positive dummy variable “modern poly hive” indicate the greater profitability of beekeeping in modern poly hives. Resource use efficiency analysis indicates that labour, insecticide, equipment, and honey extraction inputs were under-utilized while feed, transportation, marketing, hive, colony and rental inputs were over-utilized. Beekeeping is also affected by some constraints including high costs of modern poly hive accessories, lack of skilled labour and initial capital, inadequate transportation and marketing facilities. Government and other related organizations should take necessary measures to mitigate those problems. Based on the findings, it is recommended to adopt modern poly hive in beekeeping.&#x0D; Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(1): 84-91, June 2021

Study on Challenges and Opportunities of Beekeeping in Gimbi District,West Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

The study was carried out in Gimbi district, west Wollega zone, Ethiopia to assess beekeeping constraints and exploit the existing opportunities for beekeeping. The study used interview, survey and field observation as method of looking for answers for research questions. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select study sites and household respondents. 156 total household respondents were interviewed using semistructured questionnaires during the study period and SPSS software version 23 was used to analyze the gathered data. 5.42 ± 0.18, 10.23 ± 0.36 and 15.69 ± 0.59 kg were the average honey yield annually from traditional, intermediate and improved hive, respectively. Quality of honey (60.9%), distance from the market place (18.59%) and consumer’s preference (12.82%) were among the most factors governing the price of honey. Even though availability of bee forage and water, presence of immense number of bee density, high demand for local honey from honey traders and consumers and government attention to this sub-sector were encountered as opportunities for beekeeping development, improper application of agro-chemical inputs (1st), high cost of modern hive and equipment (2nd), diseases (3rd) and pests and predators (4th) were the challenges. Characterization of honeybees of the area, diseases and pest and predators needs further study.

Beekeeping: Practices, Opportunities and Challenges in Deupur, Parbat, Nepal

Beekeeping practice and challenges faced by beekeepers were studied in Deupur, Modi Rural Municipality, Parbat District, Gandaki Province, Nepal. A total of 10 farmers, who had beehives were selected for questionnaire survey during the study period. Of these, five households practiced modern way of beekeeping, two households practiced both modern and traditional way, and three household practiced traditional way of beekeeping. Eighty percent (80%) of respondents supported good forest coverage was the potential opportunities for bee keepers but 20% did not believe; 60% of respondents believed that the existence of a variety of vegetation determined the quality of honey but 40% did not and 20% of respondents were in a reasonable state for availability of resources like hives and storage vessels but 80% did not. The main challenges faced by the beekeepers were expensive modern hives, lack of modern equipments, market instability and pests of bees, such as, ants, moth, mite, wasp, marten and wall lizard. Market stabilization seems to play a provocative role to encourage the people in bee keeping, so, government should pay attention towards it.

Beekeeping practices and physicochemical properties of honey produced in Lerala village, Botswana

This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Apis mellifera honey produced in Lerala village and to assess the beekeeping practices. Sale of honey is an important source of income for beekeepers in Lerala village. There are two types of honeybee production systems in the study area: traditional backyard beekeeping and forest honey harvesting. A total of six honey samples obtained from two sources (modern hive and forest) were analysed for physicochemical properties following standard procedures. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess beekeeping practices by interviewing 15 individuals who have experience in beekeeping. The average values for moisture content, total ash, free acidity, reducing sugars, sucrose, pH, water-insoluble solids and hydroxymethylfurfural of honey samples obtained from modern hives were 18%, 0.24%, 31 meq/kg, 56.6%, 1.88%, 4.24, 0.05 g/100g and 26.6 mg/kg, respectively. The corresponding values for honey obtained from the forest were 17.7%, 0.28%, 27.7 meq/kg, 58%, 2%, 5.18, 0.07 g/100g and 10.9 mg/kg, respectively. Honey source significantly (P≤0.05) influenced the pH, reducing sugars and sucrose contents of the honey samples while ash, free acidity, water-insoluble solids and moisture content were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different between the two sources of honey. The pH, sucrose and reducing sugars content of forest honey samples were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than honey obtained from modern hives. All the parameters analysed were within the limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for honey. The major challenges faced by beekeepers in the study area include lack of skills and knowledge of beekeeping, weak extension services and lack of bee handling and honey processing equipment. Thus, there is a need for training of beekeepers on improved beekeeping practices and provision of inputs such as modern hives and honey handling and processing equipment to farmers.

Assessment of Constraints and Opportunities of Honey Production in Gombora Haddiya Zone, South Nation Nationality and People Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Gombora District, South nation national people regional state, Ethiopia to identify major beekeeping constraints and opportunities. Structured questionnaire was employed for the study. The study used interviews, surveys and visual observation as methods in looking for answer to research questions. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select 180 beekeepers from two Peasants Association. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. The result of the study exposed that the average amount of honey harvested /hive/year from traditional hive, transitional hive and modern hive were 8.22±0.042, 13.83±1.05 and 18.2±2.52 respectively. The mean yield obtained from the three hives were statistically significant at (p &lt; 0.05).The most factors influencing honey pricing in the study area were distance from market( 38%), quality of honey (20%), consumers‟ preference (20%), color (10%), and test of honey (12%).The major constraints to beekeeping activity in the study area were: high cost of modern hives with accessories (1st), shortage of bee forage (2nd), pests and predators (6rd, poising of bee colonies (4th), low quality of honey product (5th) and poor infrastructure development (3th). Regardless of the constraints encountered this sub sector; there are also future opportunities for beekeeping development in the District. These include; presence of huge number of bee colonies, progressively increasing the demand of local honey, presence of beekeepers association and presence of good government policy. The study exposed that the price of honey in the study area is influenced by quality of honey, color, consumers‟ preference, distance from market and test of honey. Extra study is required to evaluation of honey quality in study area; characterize honey beekeeping practice in the study area and major pests, predators and disease of economic importance.

A survey on prevalence and risk factors of Varroasis in West Azerbaijan, Iran

ABSTRACTVarroa destructor is considered one of the major threats for apiculture worldwide. The present study was designed to identify risk factors associated with V. destructor occurrence in West Azerbaijan, Iran. During autumn 2016, data on general apiary traits, occurrence of Varroasis, management practices, and treatment procedures were recorded in 174 apiaries using a questionnaire in a cross-sectional study. In total, 74% of apiaries reported infestation with varroa mites. Based on results of logistic regression models, management by semi-experienced (5–10 years) and experienced (>10 years) beekeepers (odds ratio (OR) = 0.058, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.008–0.413, p = 0.004, and OR = 0.048, 95% CI = 0.010–0.225, p < 0.0001, respectively), using a guard wall (OR = 0.0928, 95% CI = 0.333–0.258, p < 0.0001) and located in >6 km distance to cities and/or motorways (OR = 0.280, 95% CI = 0.084–0.934, p = 0.038), were found to decrease the risk of varroa infestation. Apiaries using traditional hives were associated with increased risk of varroa infestation compared to modern hives (OR = 5.346, 95% CI = 1.614–17.698, p = 0.006). Anti-varroa treatments were applied in 95% of the studied apiaries. Synthetic acaricides such as fluvalinate, flumethrin, and amitraz showed a better anti-varroa effect when used in combination with organic acaricides such as thymol and formic acid (p < 0.05). Continued epidemiological studies are recommended for final control of disease.

Honey-bee production practices and hive technology preferences in Jimma and Illubabor Zone of Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract The study was conducted in two purposefully selected zones of Oromiya Regional State, namely Jimma and Illubabor. The objective of the study was to analyse the honey-bee production and to assess hive technology preferences in the study area. A total of 156 beekeepers were randomly and proportionately selected from four districts (Mana and Gomma from Jimma and Bacho and Yayo from Illubabor). Data were collected through formal survey and secondary sources. Accordingly, the average age of the beekeepers was 40.2 ± 8.13 years with an average of 13.5 ± 6.58 years of experience. The majority of the respondents (53.2%) in the study area got their colonies by catching swarms. Three hive types (traditional, transitional, and frame hive) were found in the study area. More than 70% of the respondents harvested once a year from traditional hives, while 25% of respondents harvested up to three times per year from frame hives. Moreover, an average of 22 ± 4.6 and 16 ± 4.1 kg of honey were harvested from frame and transitional hives per year, respectively. Compared to these two hives, a much lower (7 ± 1.6 kg) amount of honey was harvested from traditional hives. Various honey-bee floras were identified in the study area. Plants such as Vernonia amygdalina, Croton macrostachyus, and Schefflera sp. produce white honey. Half of the respondents’ preferred transitional hive followed by frame hive (37.2%). Factors which affect the use of frame hives were lack of equipment (36.5%) followed by wax quality and availability problems (34%). That is why few beekeepers tried to modify the frame hive to solve the problems of wax in vertical frame hive. In order to adopt and sustain modern hive technology, the focus should be on honey-bee equipment as well as wax quality and availability.

Demonstration and Participatory Evaluation of Improved Beehives and Cooperative and Market Linkage Formation in Dawro Zone Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Loma district of Dawro Zone to evaluate the productivity performance of bee hives using locally adapted honeybees spp. A total of ten farmers with rich experiences in beekeeping were purposively selected for this research purpose first. Theoretical and practical training session about honeybee colony management was given for selected farmers, development agents and Woreda experts. The project was provided technical support and input materials such as improved hives, wax printer, wax and improved bee flora. After share of traditional honeybee colony by each member of cooperative groups, colony transferred to modern hives and inspected regularly at study site to follow up the progress of the bee colonies. Finally, ripened honey was harvested and extracted by using honey extractor and stored in sealed containers and put in dry place until marketed. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, systematically analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics. During the first harvesting season the average honey yield per hive/season from traditional, Kenya Top bar and frame hive was 7.3 kg, 18.1 kg and 22.875, while in the second round it was 5.5 kg, 14.89 kg and 16.52 kg respectively. The average honey yield per hive/year from traditional, Kenya Top bar and frame hive was 12.85 kg, 32.99 kg and 40.095 kg, respectively, which was significantly different (p<0.05). The findings of the study showed that the mean honey yield obtained from frame hive was significantly higher than Kenya Top bar hive and traditional hive. Moreover, formation of beekeepers’ cooperative and market linkage is found to be very important to experience modern beekeeping system because it increases sharing of equipments and skills between members.

English

The study was conducted in three districts of Benishangulgumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia, to characterize honey production systems, identify major constraints limiting honey production and suggest the required development intervention options for future development. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the districts that represent the three agro-ecologies of the region. A total of 120 beekeeping households were selected and individually interviewed in their respective farms using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Stratified sampling technique was used to select the households. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and one-way ANOVA of SPSS software. The results revealed that the number of bee colonies per household were not different across the districts. Honey yield from traditional and transitional hives varied across the districts, but not from modern hive. Beekeeping sector of the areas is constrained by high cost and limited availability of modern beekeeping equipments and accessories, inferior quality of honey, honeybee enemies, inadequate research and extension services, and shortage of skilled human power. Thus, to benefit beekeepers from the sector, alleviating the prevailing constraints and exploiting the available opportunities is important. Key words: Honey production, Benishangulgumuz, reproductive swarming, migration, beekeeping constraints.

English

The study was conducted in three districts of Benishangulgumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia, to characterize honey production systems, identify major constraints limiting honey production and suggest the required development intervention options for future development. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the districts that represent the three agro-ecologies of the region. A total of 120 beekeeping households were selected and individually interviewed in their respective farms using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Stratified sampling technique was used to select the households. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and one-way ANOVA of SPSS software. The results revealed that the number of bee colonies per household were not different across the districts. Honey yield from traditional and transitional hives varied across the districts, but not from modern hive. Beekeeping sector of the areas is constrained by high cost and limited availability of modern beekeeping equipments and accessories, inferior quality of honey, honeybee enemies, inadequate research and extension services, and shortage of skilled human power. Thus, to benefit beekeepers from the sector, alleviating the prevailing constraints and exploiting the available opportunities is important. &nbsp; Key words: Honey production, Benishangulgumuz, reproductive swarming, migration, beekeeping constraints. &nbsp

Honey production, utilization and marketing in northern Ethiopia

A total of 164 beekeepers were selected from four districts namely; Degua Timben, Hawzen, Saesiea-Tsaeda-Emba and Atsib situated in Tigray Region of Northern Ethiopia. The data were obtained by using pre-tested, structured questionnaire on demographic characteristics, honey production potential, utilization and marketing. Beekeeping activities of the respondents were dominated by males (91.46%). Modern (movable-frame) hive produced significantly higher (p<0.05) honey (29.63±1.04 kg) per hive per year than the traditional (fixed-frame) hive (10.14±0.67 kg). The overall price of honey from traditional and modern hive was found to be 139.85±33.43 ETB and 227.45±30.35 ETB, respectively while the overall mean price of beeswax and bee colony was 36.85±6.35 ETB and 1413.10 ETB, respectively. The price of honey from traditional as well as modern hive did not differ significantly (p<0.05) among four districts while the price of bees wax was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Degua-Timben and Saesiea-Tsaeda-Emba.

Adoption of modern beekeeping and its impact on honey production in the former Mwingi District of Kenya: assessment using theory-based impact evaluation approach

This study used the theory-based impact evaluation approach to understand as to how promotion of beekeeping by the Commercial Insects Programme (CIP) of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has had an impact on honey production in the former Mwingi District of Kenya (now merged into Kitui County). We examined the adoption of modern hives promoted byicipeand applied data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess the technical efficiency (TE) of participants in CIP. CIP participants had an average TE of 0.56, which was significantly higher than that of non-participants in the former Kitui District (average TE of 0.26). Those who adopted modern hives achieved the highest average levels of TE (0.59). The study fits a Probit model to identify the drivers of adoption and a Tobit model to assess the intensity of adoption of modern hives. The propensity score matching approach was used to evaluate the impact of modern hives on honey production. Results indicate that perceptions about the yield and quality of honey obtained from modern hives significantly increased beekeepers' adoption decisions. The intensity of adoption expressed as the proportion of modern hives owned by beekeepers was significantly high among farmers who participated in CIP. A positive and significant relationship was observed between the adoption of modern hives and the quantity of honey produced. The present study indicates, through the average TE, that considerable room still exists for the improvement of beekeeping and provides strong evidence for scaling up the dissemination of modern hives in areas of Kenya with high potential.

Prevalence of Wax Moth in Modern Hive with Colonies in Kafta Humera

A cross-sectional study was carried out from April 28 to May 30, 2009 in four village of Kafta Humera to determine the prevalence of wax moth in modern hive with colonies. A total of 307 modern bee hives with colonies were inspected during the study period. Physical inspection and observation were the methods of the study used. According to the study the overall prevalence of wax moth in modern bee hive was found to be 27.4%. During the study period larval stage of wax-moth was only detected. The nature of severity was differentiated and categorized in to three groups as 35(11.4%), 47(15.3%) and 2(0.65%) as light, moderate and severely affected respectively. Infestation rate of wax moth based on supering was found to have statistically significant difference as determined as 8(16%), 65(27.7%) and 11(47.7%) in base only, base plus one box and base plus two boxes. To combat the problem, awareness creation should be done on proper management of bee keeping in the area

Review of Honey Bee and Honey Production in Ethiopia

The beekeeping sub-sector has been an integral part of agriculture in Ethiopia. It has been contributing to the household income and poverty alleviation and national economy through export. The country has huge apicultural resources that made it the leading honey and beeswax producer in Africa. Moreover, Ethiopia is a country where apicultural research is being conducted in a coordinated manner under the national agricultural research system. Hence, a lot of information has been gathered on different aspects of the beekeeping. This is a review of various research results that are from published and unpublished papers over a long period of time and various reviews in the course of the apiculture. It has been revealed that the highest percentage of honeybee population is hived in traditional, transitional and modern hives, only the smallest proportion is remain as wild. However, attempts by various investigators and development actors showed that both the production and quality can be improved in terms of transforming the beekeeping system, processing and marketing. This review paper also tried to address both natural and man-made bottle-necks that damage the sector not to reach the satisfactory level. It also tried to identify some of the opportunities that can boost the sector if we manage and utilize them properly.

Assessment of Beekeeping Practices (Absconding, Bee Forage and Bee Diseases and Pests) in Jigjiga Zone, Somali Regional State of Ethiopia

The present study was conducted in Jigjiga zone of Somali regional state. The study intended to assess the challenges, limitations and opportunities existing in the area for honeybee production. 50 respondents were interviewed from three districts (20 from Jigjiga, 15 from Awbare and 15 from Kebribeyah). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 10.0 version software and the results were interpreted and presented using Descriptive Statistics. Based on the results of this survey, all the three types of honeybee production systems were identified, namely: Traditional, Movable comb top-bar and modern honey bee production systems. Beekeeping in the study areas was dominantly a man’s occupation (100%). The main Honeybee flora compositions of the study area were sunflower, maize and other flowering plants. Based on the result of this study, the major challenges were high cost of modern hive, lack of bee forage, pests and predators, lack of water, honeybee diseases, marketing problems, lack of honey storing facilities. The opportunities for beekeeping in the study area were the presence of numerous wild honeybee colonies and high demand of honey. There is no extension service from governmental sectors but some training for few farmers from NGOs.

Physiochemical characteristics of honey obtained from traditional and modern hive production systems in Tigray region, northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted with the objective to determine the physiochemical characteristics of Tigray honey (n= 38) and to compare the quality honey of Tigray with those described in the Quality Standard Authority of Ethiopia, Codex Standard and European Honey Directive. Honey samples were collected from traditional hives (n =19) and modern hives (n=19) production systems. Physiochemical characteristics evaluated were: color, moisture, reducing sugar, sucrose, acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), mineral content, pH, water insoluble solids and specific gravity. All parameters were analyzed following the techniques proposed by the Codex Standard for Honey. A statistical analysis using GMP5 soft ware was utilized to determine the differences in quality between honey from traditional and modern hive production systems. The average content of mineral, moisture, acidity, invert sugar, pH, sucrose, specific gravity and water insoluble solids in traditional hive honey samples were 22%, 18.25%, 29.89 meq kg-1, 70.95%, 4.13, 2.37%, 1.41 and 0.07%, respectively. On the other hand, the corresponding values for honey samples from modern hive production system were 0.18%, 18.60%, 29.12meqkg-1, 71.42 %, 4.04, 2.71%, 1.40, and 0.03%, respectively. Consequently, no significant differences (p> 0.05) were found in all the quality parameters except for water insoluble solids. The mean value for HMF was 11.18 mgkg-1 for the processed honey and the color of the honey varied from white to amber with light amber (55.26%) being the predominant color of the honey in Tigray. All the honey samples met the Codex Standard, QSAE and EU physiochemical quality Standard limits for honey except water insoluble solids in traditional hive production system. Water insoluble solids were found in 26.32% of the samples examined which will have to be improved through intensive training and experience sharing. Key word : Honey, Quality, Physiochemical characteristics, Tigray

“A Swarm in July”: Beekeeping Perspectives on the Old English Wið Ymbe Charm

“A Swarm in July”: Beekeeping Perspectives on the Old English Wið Ymbe Charm Lori Ann Garner (bio), Kayla M. Miller (bio), Chuck Crimmins, and Richard Underhill Inscribed in the margins of an eleventh-century manuscript1 of Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People and crowded beneath a Latin prayer is a brief bit of advice for beekeepers in the event of a swarm (ymbe), a natural phenomenon in which a substantial portion of an older bee colony migrates en masse with a queen to establish a new colony. The following analysis of this enigmatic text has been inspired largely by three features central to John Miles Foley’s vast body of work: interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and comparative research. While the eight lines of alliterative verse that constitute the greater portion of this swarm charm have assured its standing within canonical Old English literature, its insights into traditional apiary practices of Anglo-Saxon England make it equally appropriate subject matter for studies in folklore or even animal science. It is precisely such unlikely intersections that have long served as foci for the transdisciplinary work of John Foley, and it is thus that we now choose it as the subject of analysis for a volume in his honor.2 John Foley’s work has also consistently embraced genuine collaboration—collaboration not only within the academic community but reaching outside scholarly circles to gain the fullest understanding possible of oral traditions worldwide. In keeping with this goal, we build upon work with this remedy 3 begun by James B. Spamer, who reminds us that “the original speakers of the charm were not Germanicists; they were beekeepers” (1978:280). Our work has also been heavily influenced by Marijane Osborn, who has thoroughly researched skep beekeeping practices as reflected across a broad range of medieval literatures and historical records in order “to open the way for further study” (2006:271, n.2). Our strategy here is to augment and complement such prior work by going a step further and bringing knowledgeable and experienced beekeepers directly into the discussion, sharing the text with them, inviting their reactions, and offering a more collaborative interpretation. That beekeeping (for purposes of honey and wax production) was an integral part of life in monasteries (Rust 1999) has been well-established and corroborates our view that the charm potentially had a vital practical role for those who had easiest access to the manuscript in which it survives.4 Our ultimate goal is thus to shift our “default reading” of Wið Ymbe from its “artistic beauty of structure and treatment” (Storms 1974:132) to one that embraces the “myriad other aspects of the given poem’s reality” (Foley 2002:60), namely its value within beekeeping practice. The two beekeepers participating in our project both have extensive experience in beekeeping. Chuck Crimmins, Gardening and Forest Coordinator at Heifer International in Perryville, Arkansas, has been educating visitors on bees and beekeeping since 1994. Richard Underhill, founding owner of Peace Bee Farm in Proctor, Arkansas, has served as president of both the Memphis Area Beekeepers Association and the Tennessee Beekeepers Association. We would like to establish from the outset that this comparative study presupposes neither that the practice of beekeeping is the same now as in Anglo-Saxon times nor that even the bees themselves would behave in exactly the same way. As Crimmins explains, bees in the United States have been bred for qualities that produce the best honey and present minimal threat to their handlers. Similarly, materials used to work with bees have changed radically over intervening centuries, and there is obviously “a considerable difference between the hives of the Anglo-Saxons and modern hives, which is not inconsequential in our understanding of the charm” (Spamer 1978:280–81), the now-familiar white boxes of the modern Langstroth hive differing markedly from the traditional skep or basketwork hive most likely used by Anglo-Saxons (cf. Osborn 2005:7–9).5 In his comparative approach, John Foley’s work has always been intensely sensitive to cultural and generic difference at the same time that it is ever-open to insightful and meaningful points of unexplored or unexpected similarities.6 We here extend this...