Assessment of Beekeeping Management and Constraints in Termaber and Basonawerena Districts, North Showa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Termaber and Basonawerena districts, North Showa Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia with the primary objective of assessing beekeeping management and constraints in these study areas. Personal observation and informal discussion were used to identify the study districts. Two districts and four kebeles from each district were purposively selected for this study. Sample size for this study was calculated to be 384 and Simple random sampling technique was employed to select the respondents among the beekeepers. Key informants were selected by purposive sampling technique. Observations, semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interview and focus group discussions (FGDs) were employed to gather relevant and pertinent data from study participants. X2 (chi-square) test was used to determine association between categorical variables. Descriptive statistics was employed to present frequencies and proportions. Three beekeeping management namely, traditional, transitional and modern beekeeping were documented in the study area. Traditional beekeeping management was the most predominant (86%) practice in both districts. Type and level of technology application were used to identify the beekeeping management systems in the area. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in beekeeping management activities between Termaber and Basonawerena districts. Even though honey production was increased, the trends of transfer of traditional beekeeping to either transitional or modern beekeeping management practice showed a decline. Lack of skilled manpower, lack of awareness, low level of technology used, absconding, impact of chemical pesticides, pests and predators, poor quality of honey harvesting and shortage of modern bee hives were some of the reported constraints in the study area. Training and capacity building on hive management, colony feeding, honey harvesting and access to market and credit accessibility are recommended to improve honey production in the study area. From this study it can be concluded that beekeeping creates job opportunity for landless men and women for their livelihood and needs low capital