Assessment of the Effect of Seasonal Honeybee Management on Honey Production of Ethiopian Honeybee (Apis mellifera) in Modern Beekeeping in Jimma Zone

Abstract

Ethiopia has substantial potential in beekeeping with rich flora, proper ecological conditions and existence of large bee colonies. However, modern beekeeping in study area is still faced with challenges in respect to lack of bee management skill, colony absconding and low honey production. The study was conducted in Jimma Zone where modern beekeeping has been practiced since 40 years. For the study three districts (Kersa, Goma and Gera) were purposively selected depending upon the existence of large number of modern beekeeping. A total of 75 beekeepers engaged in modern beekeeping were contacted and interviewed. Visual assessment of apiaries and internal inspection of suspected colonies were carried out to harmonize the relevant information noted by respondents. Interview on beekeepers characteristics, seasonal bee management practices of modern beekeeping, bee forage flowering seasons, bee management constraints and honey production were collected and analyzed. The result revealed that 62.7% modern beekeeping in the study area is based on inappropriate colony management practices and characterised predominately by high absconding and low honey yield despite the abundant bee forage potential in the study areas. Inappropriate skill bee management practices, colony absconding, poor design of modern beehives, low honey yield and bee pests are the main problems that impede the full use of apiculture resources in the study area. Interventions in modern beekeeping should be focused on empowering beekeepers with skills through ensuring availability of improved beekeeping technologies with standard seasonal bee management practices should be strengthened.

Status of Honeybee Apismellifera Bandansii Pests and Pathogens in Seka Chokersa District of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

“…The most common honeybee pests and predators were mentioned to be Aethina tumida ((95.1 %), Achrolla grisella (65.7 %), different species of ants (51 %), Larger Hive Beetle (42.0 %), Mice (39.1 %), Bee Eater Birds (27.3 %), Honey badger (18.3 %), Bee Lice (10.2 %), Spiders (8.9 %) and Lizards (6.9 %). Existence of nearly all of these honeybee pests and predators have reportedly been existing in every beekeeping regions of the tropics and their importance have been reported by similar studies (Chala Kinati et al, 2012 andTolera Kumsa andDejene Takele, 2014) in the country. However, (Yetimwork Gebremeskel, 2015) has reported slightly lower frequencies for existence of different honeybee pests and predators ( Ants =18 ; Wax Moth =15.5; Spider = 10.5; Honey Badger = 40; Lizard = 4.5; Snake = 3.5; and Birds = 8) for Eastern zone of Tigray as compared to finding in the current study.…”

“…8 %), roughly half percent of respondents (45.7 %) explained honey production is decreased when hive is attacked by pests and predators (Table 4.3). Similar consequences of honeybee pest and predators attack to honeybees and beekeeping were reported to have negative association with honey production (Tolera Kumsa et al, 2014). …”

“…Despite tremendous potential, it have been alerted that honey and bees wax production is on the pace to shrink in Ethiopia (Optimal Solutions Group, 2002;Yirga et al, 2012;Tolera Kumsa and Dejene Takele, 2014). Studies have put forward that a combination of different factors and enemies might constrain honeybees and beekeeping activity in the country (Gidey Yirga et al , 2010;Kinati et al, 2012;Tolera Kumsa and Dejene Takele, 2014).However studies have been few to describe types of existing practical problems and enemies.…”

“…Studies have put forward that a combination of different factors and enemies might constrain honeybees and beekeeping activity in the country (Gidey Yirga et al , 2010;Kinati et al, 2012;Tolera Kumsa and Dejene Takele, 2014).However studies have been few to describe types of existing practical problems and enemies. This study has paid close attention to investigate general honeybee problems with special emphasis on diagnosing pests, parasites and pathogens and potential risk factors in Seka Chekorsa district.…”

“…The general image show that in many beekeeping places, production of honey is unusually shrinking. Benefit from beekeeping sector to the nation and beekeepers has generally been not satisfactory (Tolera Kumsa and Dejene Takele, 2014). Several factors were suggested to have been constraining honeybees and therefore deteriorating beekeeping activity in the country (Yirga Gidey & Teferi Mekonnen, 2010).…”