Ecological Suitability Analysis for Beekeeping Using GIS and AHP Model in Gedeo Zone of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

All areas looking green may not be suitable for beekeeping. Therefore, the study aimed to identify and map a suitable beekeeping ecology in the Gedeo Zone of southern Ethiopia. Seven suitability elements that have an impact on beekeeping activity were chosen. Both primary and secondary data sources were collected from each district. Using a multi-criteria decision analysis, the weighted linear combination analytical technique was utilized to determine if the land was suitable for beekeeping. The Gedeo Zone contained 98 identified bee forage plant species. Five significant and abundant bee forage plants, including Coffee, Croton, Eucalyptus, Syzygium, and Vernonia species, were identified and mapped as monofloral honey source plant species. Except for Bule and Gedeb districts, every area in the Gedeo Zone produced coffee honey. Four honey-harvesting months were identified. Accordingly, Vernonia, Coffee, Syzygium, Eucalyptus, and Croton honeys were gathered from January to mid of February, end of February to March, April, May to June, and June. The majority (84.5%) of the area's rainfall and 71.6% of its temperatures were very favourable for the development of beekeeping. On the other hand, the relative humidity of the zone was 100%, making it highly suitable for beekeeping. About 12.94% of the Gedeo Zone's total land ecology was highly appropriate, while 52.96% of it was suitable for beekeeping. Additionally, 18.18% of the zone's land had conditions that made beekeeping less feasible. Only 15.92% of the zone's land was unsuitable for beekeeping, as a result of various limitations. This study is essential for planning land uses for protecting honeybee habitats and for guiding investors in establishing commercial beekeeping operations as well as in the collecting and processing of honey.