Agri service Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Enebse Sar Midir Wereda of Amhara National Regional State and Amaro Special Wereda of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State in 2003/2004. About 180 Sample household farmers (90 beekeepers and 90 non-beekeepers) were drawn randomly. Two types of honeybee production systems. Were identified, namely: Traditional and movable comb top-bar (MCTB). Moreover, honey hunting and migratory beekeeping practices were exercised by a few beekeepers. About 22% of households from Amaro and 8% from Enebse were engaged in beekeeping and majority of them were using local hives. Beekeepers and non-beekeepers of Amaro and Enebse weredas had no significant variations in the major economic variables. However, beekeepers of the two weredas significantly differed in landholding, oxen number, honeybee colony number, hive placement and management aspects of honeybee colonies. The major challenges and opportunities for beekeeping in the study areas were identified. The challenges were many but could be overcome while the opportunities were very encouraging. The traditional and locally made MCTB hives were feasible and appropriate technologies for the rural areas that make relatively good use of locally available resources. Thus, the major concern to sustain the beekeeping activities should be integration of beekeeping with natural resources conservation programs, strengthening the appropriate beekeeping management practices, rendering of intensive beekeeping training for beekeeper and non-beekeeper farmers, and encouraging coordinated efforts among various actors to avoid the destroying of non-target insects.