Challenges and opportunities of honey production in north- east dry land areas of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate major challenges, opportunities and future prospects of bee keeping and honey production in three districts of Waghimra Zone (Abergell, Sekota and Gazgibala). To collect data, 332 respondents were selected using systematic random sampling from the three districts. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire, observation, keyinformant interveiw and focus group discussion. Data were analyzed using descriptative statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version-20. The results of this study indicated that beekeeping is one of the most important income generating activities besides other agricultural activities. The major challenges identified were prevalence of pests and predators, recurrent drought, indiscriminate application of pesticides and herbicides, lack of bee forage associated with deforestation, lack of credit service for the beekeeping sector, absconding and migration of bee colonies, high cost and limited availability of modern beekeeping equipment's and accessories, shortage of water, and lack of skill in beekeeping management. It has been revealed that the opportunities for beekeeping in the study areas were the existence of abundance of honeybee colonies, availability of potential flowering plants, sources of water for bees, increasing market demand for beehive products, existence of soil and water conservation practice and area enclosure in the area, beekeepers' experience and indigenous knowledge and socioeconomic value of honey. Thus, based on these findings, improving the awareness of the beekeepers through training and strong extension service, supplying cheap bee keeping inputs, capacitating to beekeepers to control the pests and predators are important to address the identified challenges and to improve the overall honey production in Waghimara Zone.

Insights into varroa mite (Varroa destructor) infestation levels in local honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies of Ethiopia

“…Thus, further investigation is required to better understand the parasite's potential effect on local honeybees and identify associated risk factors specific to these areas, then to take immediate monitoring actions. In previous studies, factors such as drought, scarcity of bee forage, intensive agricultural practices and specific colony trading practices have been identified as potential constraints of beekeeping sector in the Amhara region (Bihonegn & Begna, 2021; Kalayu et al, 2018; Kerealem et al, 2009). These constraints and their synergetic effect would likely weaken the local honeybee colonies and reduce their defence behaviours (such as hygienic and grooming behaviour), against the varroa mite infestation.…”

“…as potential constraints of beekeeping sector in the Amhara region Begna, 2021;Kalayu et al, 2018;Kerealem et al, 2009).…”

The Current Constraints and Opportunities of Beekeeping in Ethiopia: A Review

“…By connecting them with local carpenters who make modern honeycombs, the government has intensified its focus on expanding the beekeeping sub-sector as one of its measures to alleviate poverty and diversify export products and establish commercial ties with end users, including international markets [24]. The government is currently promoting a self-governing basin development initiative that includes beekeeping.…”