“Survey of Opportunities and Challenges of Honey Production in Selected Kebeles of Dire Enchini District, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia”

Abstract

Honey production is a traditional occupation widely practiced by farmers as a complementary income generating activity. However, an inefficient agricultural marketing system together with traditional production systems hinders beekeepers to benefit optimally from honey supply. This study was conducted in Dire Echini, Districts, West Shewa, Ethiopia to survey the opportunities and challenges of honey production in 2018/2019. Three Kebeles namely, Bola Demeka, Buyama Debale and Bola Roge were randomly selected. A total of 335 respondents with differing number from each Kebele were selected randomly. The semi-structured interviewed, structured questionnaire, focal group discussion and formal field survey method were used to collect the primary data. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The major pests and predators were ants, beetles, spiders, wasps, lizard, birds and honey badger. The results of the household survey showed that 83.6% of the hives owned by the bee keepers was traditional. About 64.2% beekeepers of the respondent were using honey for income. According to current data showed, about 51.6% of household respondents replied that the sources of honey bee colony are from the beehive itself. About 47.5% of honey productions were influenced by ant and also about 46.6% of honey productions are affected by climatic condition, especially at December season in this district. Majority of actors are placed their hive the roof and also about 50.1% of beekeepers are harvest the hone in December. This study revealed that honeybee made honey from several flowering plant and they uses as foods and the honey production is highly influenced by all of these factors. Therefore, strong extension and technical intervention is important for farmers to use modern technologies in honey production and reduce different factors that hinder honey production in these districts.