Oportunities And Constraints Of Beekeeping Practices In Bedele District, Illu Aba Bora Zone; Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

with animal development and health Officer and development agents of Bedele District were used to identify the study sites. Twelve (30%) of the 41 kebeles in the district were selected purposefully for this study. The sample size was calculated to be 124 using (Yamane, 1967 sited in Israel, 2012) simplified formula to select the respondents among the beekeepers. Key informants and focus group were also selected by purposive sampling technique. Observations, semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were implemented for data collection. The data were entered into computer to check consistency and completeness. Microsoft excel spread sheet was used to present frequencies and proportions and descriptive statistics was employed to analyze the results in terms of tables and figures. Three types of beekeeping namely, traditional, transitional and modern (frame) beekeeping were documented in the study area. Traditional beekeeping was the dominant (54.55%) practice in the district. Even though the district has high potential for apiculture, the sector was not fully developed to benefit the beekeepers due to the prevailing constraints of beekeeping in the area. Lack of awareness and motivation in adopting modern hives and developing professional competence, lack of modern hives, basic knowledge of beekeeping, beekeeping equipments and enough land; access to training, credit and market were some of the constraints reported in the study area. Facilitating means of getting modern hives, training and capacity building, credit, transportation and market accessibility were recommended to improve beekeeping practices and honey production. Moreover, implementing strategies like awareness raising, technical aid, introduction of new technology, experience sharing, follow up and supervision to the beekeepers and encouraging good performance were also recommended to develop the sector and increase the future opportunities.