1.

INTRODUCATION

1.1Background of the study

Bees are tape of livestock of great importance people has collected honey from wild bee colonies
through hunting since man started to keep the bees hives beekeeping developed top its current
situation. It is known that around 1450 B C in some Mediterranean countries many in Egypt,
people start to keep bees in along cylindrical hives made from clay mud or materials and others
(strage.1995).Bees are mainly kept to produces honey but bee wax and others bee product .Like
propels and royal jelly become valuable products playing a great role on the world trade markets.

Ethiopia is one of the principal honey bee wax produces in the world (Kerealem Ejigu, 2009)

Ethiopia is known for its tremendous variation of agro-climatic conditions and biodiversity
which favored the existence of diversified honey bee flora and a huge number of honey bee
colonies. It has largest bee pollination in Africa with over 10 million bee colonies, out of which
about 5 to 7.5 million are estimated to be hived while the remaining exist in the wild
(MOARD.2007;2009).This makes Ethiopia a reading in Africa and nines in the world in honey
production respectively. Similarly, it stands first in Africa and third in the world in bees wax
production (FAOSTAT data.2005.

Traditional beekeeping is the major and oldest type of beekeeping practiced in Ethiopia for
thousands of years (Kassaye Begashaw. 1990). It is characterized mainly by forest beekeeping
that is commonly in forest cover southern Ethiopia and backyard beekeeping which is practiced
in majority of the country. In Ethiopia, beekeeping has been practiced for centuries and its
potential is well documented. Of all the countries in the world, no country has such a long
tradition of beekeeping than Ethiopia . Despite its long history, beekeeping in Ethiopia is still
an undeveloped sector of agriculture. The knowledge and skill of honey and beeswax
production of Ethiopian farmers is still very traditional.

Most of local beehives are hanged over high trees. Honey production from

1
 honeybees are very low with an average of 5-6 kg per hive per year, while from the
improved one average of 15-20 kg even more is possible. Honey and beeswax are collected
after rainy season; starting from October to December. In the South and Eastern parts, in
addition to the main, there is minor harvesting period during May- June. According to CSA,
the major honey and beeswax producing regions in Ethiopia are Oromia (41%), SNNPR
(22%), Amhara (21%) and Tigray (5%). However, the country is suffering from the
ecological degradation of its natural resources and this means the basis for any honey
production is threatened and affected. In many regions of the country, beekeeping is
considered as one of the income- generating a c t i v i t i e s for resource -poor farmers
i n c l u d i n g w o m e n , youth and the unemployed sectors of the community. About 10% of the
honey produced in the country is consumed by beekeeping households. The remaining 90%
is sold for income generation; of this amount, it is estimated that 70% is used for brewing 'tej'
(local alcoholic beverage) and the balance is consumed as table honey. Additionally beeswax
is collected and traded. Honey is a vital factor in job creation and maintaining livelihoods.
However, current

Honey hunting also common in few parts of the country among traditional communities
traditional beekeeping is mostly practiced with different types of traditional hives that are very
much diversified in shape. Volume and the material used depending on the cultural difference
and the local materials available for constriction (MOARD.2007).Reports indicate that colonies
in traditional beehives account for about 97% of the total hived honey bee population (CSA
2006:2009).the productivity of traditional hives in extremely low and the average yield only
about 5-8kg/colony/per annual (MOARD.2007).how even with exist ion practices the annual
honey production in the country is increased and has reached quite higher than 53 thousand tons
in 2012 (FAOSTAT data .2005:CSA.2006:2008:2009:2012).

Tropical climatic condition and well distributed vegetable in the country the production of honey
bees products is low until today even through the availability of nature resource the way of
honey beekeeping and its rational honey beekeeping system is most separated in most farmers
still now this is due to lack of knowledge lack of capital. Low market and poor infrastructure in
addition to this honey bee endemic chemical position and honey bee (Ayalew Kassaye.2001).

2
Honey bee in the wild always from man’s control produce small surplus honey above them
requirements signifying beekeeping is much more productive and profitable .if they only manage
properly (Edess Negera.2009.Ethiopia is leader in both bee populations in Africa and in bee
product business development .in addition for exceeds other African countries in terms of
volumes of honey and bees wax harvested and traded and levels of investment in formal sector
(Abiy Bekle),2009).

Sidama region of Ethiopia is physical divers with extensive plateaus at over 2000m alms and
plains along the border at 800m alms .rainfall varies from 2400mm in the highland to less than
1000mm in the low land. While the vegetation grades with rainfall from tropical monstrance rain
forest Savanna grasslands. Its maximum and minimum temperature vary from 7.6c to over 13.8c
and from 29.9c over 345.7c respectively it has red clay loam soil and high nature forest over
(wood ,1993).the region is agro ecologically suitable for a wide range of crops including
plantation crops including coffee, tea and spices, fruit (eg avocado , mango, bananas, papaya,
guava and pineapple).the land use system in Sidama Region of Ethiopia is chiefly dominated by
salvo pastoral system involving cultivation of perennial crops plus livestock grazing under them
and beekeeping. Inset is mainly grown in the home gardens. Among the livestock sectors
beekeeping is very important followed by small ruminant’s cattle and poultry (Amsalu
Bezabh.2007).

Karamara traditional beekeeping has been practical for hundreds and possibility thousands of
years and its known as one of the oldest agricultural activities the traditional way of beekeeping
and the value of its product has been your changed. However Hache is endowed with various
climatic condition and wide mage of altitude favoring the presence of different natural
vegetables and agro forestry that include bushes, herbs, weeds and under growth the different
types of natural vegetation have been the zone the best for honey bees (Tadese Kippie,
2012).Beekeeping can be a very interesting and even a highly profitable hobby for the karamara
farmers. But it can also be an important source of in additional income to most of Bensa farmers
(Tadese Kippie, 2012).

The fact that beekeeping is “a hobby for many people it has on important economic and ecologic
aspects. For many farmers beekeeping a good side income and sometimes the only cash income.
Because it requires allow investment and also allow labor inputs. Furthermore bees are the most

3
 important insets to provide adequate pollination for crops especially for cross-pollination and
other plants (MOA.2001).

TABLE1.Species of trees and fruits associated with coffee plantation in Sidama Region of
Ethiopia

Common shade Trees and fruits Common name Amharic

Common name
trees species mostly observed in (Amh) Sidamigna(Sida)
Amaharic(Amh)
homo grednes
Sidamigna (Sida)

Croton Bisana(Amh)Xagicho Todocaropusfaleun

Zigba(Amh)Sidamigna(Si
Machrostachys (Sida) s
da) Dagucho

Albiziaschimperian Sessa(Amh)Sissa(Sida) Aniugeriaaltissima Kerero(Amh)

a Waacco(Sida)

Cordiaafricana Wanza(Amh)Wadicho Erythrmaabyssiniea Korch(Amh)-(Sida)

(Sida)

Abliziaagummifera Sessa(A)Sissa(Sida) Maganiferaindica Mango(Amh)Mango(Sida)

Acacia Abyssinica Bahirzaf(Amh)Barizaafe(Si Citrus Sinensis Birtukan

da) (Amh)Burtukaane(Sida)

Millettiaferruginia Birbira(Amh)Harangama(Si Ensutevertricosam Enset(Amh)Weese(Sida)

da)

Grevillearobusta Tebenjaenchet(Amh)Giraav Catha Edulis Chat (Amh)Caate(Sida)

iilla(Sida)

Sesbaniasesban _ (Sida) Persaamerieana Avocado,Banana,Peach,G

uava,Pappaya,Apple

4
 1.2. Statement of the problem.

Honey bees are found associated with forest globally. Flowers of forest trees provide subsistence
for honey bee and the tree physically provides shelter for a swarm or bee hive. Tree growing and
beekeeping can easily be combining for several reasons. Both are suitable on land that is hills or
otherwise less descramble for other agricultural proposes. Hives may be located within or near a
tree plantation and utilize both the tree and surrounding other flowering plants for forage.
Combining forestry and beekeeping provides annual honey bee products (eg.honey bee wax)to
supplement income from land owners’ long term forest managements. Peoples around Sidama
region have lack of better usage of agro forestry tree for honey production. Therefore this study
should be try to answer the following questions;

 What are the major trees species in agro forestry systems?

 What are the major opportunity and challenges of the honey bee production in the study
area?
 What are the types of hives in study area?
 What are been flora species among agro forestry trees in the Sidama agro forestry
systems?
 What are the sources of honey bee colonies?
 What is the tree species used to prepare traditional bee hives?
 What materials are used to smoking and attract honey bee colonies to their hives?

1.3 Objective of the study

1.3.1 General objective

To assess the practice of beekeeping in Sidama agro forestry system around Bensa woreda
Sidama region of Ethiopia.

5
1.2.3. Specific Objectives

 To identify the major agro forestry trees.

 To identify the major trees species used for honey production.
 To identify the major opportunity and challenges of honey bee production in livelihood
agro forestry dependent communities.

1.4. Significance of the Study.

This study would be significant in that would provide up to data information for researchers who
may be interested to carry out further study in the issues. Furthermore, the result of the study
would be very important for other researcher and beekeeping manager at the agro forestry
dependent communities.

6
 2. LITERATURE REVIEWS

2.1. Beekeeping practice in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is the one of the countries of the central which own big honey production potential to its
varied ecological and climatic conditions. Ethiopia is home to some of the most divers flora and
hives fauna in Africa its forest and woods holds contain derivers plant species that provide
surplus sector and pollen to foraging bees (Girma Abid ,1998). To date over 10 million of bees
calories are existing which includes both feral and hives ones (Ayalew beza, 2001).

Ethiopia is the largest honey producers in Africa and 10 th largest honey producer all it estimated
up to 2400 metric tons, only small amount of these marked are the main reason .which about
80% 0f the total Ethiopian honey production goes in the local preparation honey wine, which
consumed at as over country. Ethiopia having the highest number of bee colonies and surplus
honey source of flora (Germa Abid ,1999).

2.2. Beekeeping Practice in South Ethiopia.

Beekeeping in south Ethiopia has been practiced since long time.thh nature of diversified
flowering plant species and agro climatic conditions has enabled the area to sustain a number of
honey bee columns south Ethiopia is generally known by its low and it can get only for local
consumption. So far in south Ethiopia there is complied and reliable information on beekeeping
practice, production, potentials and constrains of beekeeping.

2.3. Forage Trees in Ethiopia

Production of honey and other products of honey bees depend on availability of flora resources
(bee forage) and is a very important field for honey beekeepers (Amsalu et al 2003). Currently
more than 6000 species of flowering plants are estimated to be found in Ethiopia of which most
of them are honey bee plants (Girma Abid, 1998).due to diversified bee flora and other
environmental factors. Ethiopia has highest bee density and is the largest honey producer in

7
Africa. In Ethiopia beekeeping is one of the oldest agricultural practice that passes from
generation to generation without modification up to the present time (Fitchl and Admasa
19994).the diversified flowering plant in Ethiopia and the blooming season greatly vary from
place to place. The enables the country to sustain many of honey bee colonies (Adimasu kifle
1996).about 500 important honey bee plant species identified by Fitch and Adimasu 1994 are
important for bee plants. For example species such as eucalyptus camaldulensis and
oleaeuropeae are some of tree species that are source of both pollen and nectar. leucasabyssinica,
bachumgradiflorumand carissa spinarum are good sources nectar.

2.4. Honey Bee Management Practice

In Ethiopia beekeeping is practiced as tradition. This means that most of the farmers in the rural
areas have hives. As a result about 4688.278 bee hives are estimated to be found the rural
sedentary areas of Ethiopia of which 4.580.303(97.7%) are traditional hives 29421(0.63%) are
transition hives and 78.554(1.68%) are modern hives (CSA.2007).the traditional or fixed comb
hives in hollow structure made of cheap materials like clay straw; ban boo, false banana lows,
logs barks of tree and melding. The intermediate or transitional hives is long through shaped box
with bar of fixed width. The modern hive or hive width farmers are a brood (offspring) chamber
box with a fixed bottom board and flight board.

2.5. Opportunity of Honey Bee Production

Ethiopia is endowed various climatic condition, topography and a wide range of altitude favoring
the presence of natural vegetation than includes dense forest. Bushes herbs, weeds and under
growth. These different types of natural vegetations have made the country the best home for
honey bees in the area where there are various kind of honey bee plant. Better honey yield is
certain than the area with poor natural vegetation (Amssalu Bezabih, 2000).

According to Mathewos et al. (2004) report, there are 6000 to 7000plants species that have been
identified to exist in the country out of which some are endemic. The plant species are found to
support the honey bee population some of the plant species are found to such west part of the
country. Beekeeping are obtain better yield if honey be wax and other hive products (Amsalu
Bezabih, 2000).

8
Ethiopia is the largest bee population in Africa with over 80 million colonies. out of which about
4.6 million are confined in hives and the remaining exist the forest(CSA,2007).

Currently the available bee colonies in Ethiopia are grouped in to four different honey bee
population occupying ecologically different area. Adsmellifer amentica in the northwest and east
mired and semi-arid low lands, Appismellifera scutellate in the west and north west humid mid
lands Apsimellifera bands, in the central moist highland and apsimellifera way Gambella in
south western semi-arid to sub humid low lands part of the country(assault et al, 2004).

2.6. Constrain of Beekeeping Practice.

The prevailing production in the beekeeping development of the country are complex and to
large extent vary between agro-ecological zone and production systems (EARO, 2000).

Nutrient also extended to socio-economic condition cultural practice climate /season/of the year
and behavior of the bee (Adjure.1990).according to the participant farmers’ shortage of bee
forage, agro chemical poisoning .honey bee pests and disease shortage of bee colony which were
also report as the major beekeeping constrain in southern regional state. The major honey bee
pests enemies mentioned by farmers of both distinct includes ants honey badger beef eater
birds.wax month spider and better similar honey bee pests and enemies were reported as it
known traditional ways of beekeeping is practiced through all the county in general and in south
special by hanging the traditional hives under their roof at the outside. (Ayalew kasaye .2005).

9
 3. Materials and Methods.

3.1. Description of the Study Area

The study was conducted in Sidama Region Bensa Woreda which is located in the Sidama of
Ethiopia found on the distance of 427 k.m from capital Addis Ababa at longitudinal and
latitudinal 6 10’ 0” N 38 10”N and 38 18’ 0” E respectively while the elevation of 1360 m above
the sea level. The Bensa woreda lies within a great African rift valley and having the current
population size 29,000 from this number 14919 are females and 14081 are males. (Bensa
Woreda Communication Office).

To conduct the research data was selected three sites. The first site around Karamara it is found
the left direction of woreda capital town. It has many vegetation or plants such as bananas coffee,
carialafricana. The soil type is sand clay suitable for the cereal crops. The second site is Hache
there are many lowering plant such as (bahirzaf),cordiaafricana.crolon machrostachys.acacia
Abyssinia. Erythrinaabyssinica ,mangiferiandica,enseteventricosum.the soil type sand clay
suitable to any kind of crops. The third site was found around Osole the plant and the soil type
are the same as Hache.

3.2. Population Study

The study was designed to assess the beekeeping practice. Trends and constrain of honey bee
production in Sidama agro forestry system in Bensa woreda. Through giving questioners for the
beekeepers that are found in selected kebeles. In the study of 30 farmers male and female were
purposively selected based on owning bee colonies (minimum two or four bee colonies)to
participate in the study questionnaires. For this back ground information of each beekeeper was
collected from secondary source mainly agricultural workers in each three kebeles of Bensa
woreda (Hache,karamara and Osole) among these population 20 are males and 10 are females.

3.3 SAMPLE SIZE

Due to the constraint and to minimize complexity of analysis only three kebeles
(Hacha,Karamara and Osole) are selected from each three kebeles (Hache,Karamara and Osole )
12, 10 and 8 populations selected properly.

10
Table 2 Total sample taken

Kebele Total Sample Size (Z=30)

Male Female Total

Hache 7 5 12
Karamara 7 3 10
Osole 6 2 8

3.4. Instruments for Data Collection

In order to obtain sufficient data in the practice of beekeeping in Sidama agro forestry system
different instrument were employed semi structured interview, document analysis, observation
and questioners. These tools were selected due to they help to gather information in short period
of time and wastage of data.

In order to obtain adequate data about the issue the set of both close ended and open ended
question was prepared for the beekeepers that are found in selected kebeles and distributed .to
support the data gathered by using questioners observation would be employed observation
check at list used to analyze the practice of beekeeping in selected wereda and (kebeles).

3.5. Source of Data

For the sake of study both primary and secondary data were used for investigating the problem

 Primary data includes information obtained from beekeepers and agricultural workers
 Secondary sources are written document in beekeeping practice, internet search about
beekeeping and agro forestry system.
3.6. Data Analysis
All data was analyzed by using the table and figure after the collection of data from the
study area. Then the data was summarized using descriptive states (comparison,
percentage and ranges).multi response analysis was also used for variables need to be
ranking.

11
 4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION.

4.1 Socio- economic characteristics of the respondents.

From the total of 30 samples households prepared questionnaires and semi structured interview
were employed to generate both qualitative and quantitative data on the practice or beekeeping in
Sidama agro forestry system in the case of Bensa woreda.

As a result about 90% were male headed and the rest 10% were female headed hose holds. In all
sampled farmers most of beekeeping was relatively aged. The economic sources the society were
the agricultural products and mixed farming 5) stem was there way of life as well as the
beekeeping practice was one of the side income source for the society. Most of the respondent
can start beekeeping practice at the youngest stage.

4.2. Back ground of the respondents.

Among the total respondents 34% were uneducated and the rest 66% of the respondent were
educated as in the following table.

Table 3.Back ground of the respondents.

Educational Total Land holding Size Work Experience

Status
Kebele Number
Litera Illitr <1 1-3 4-6 >6 <5 6-10 11- >20yrs
of
te ate hec 20
Respond hec hec hec yeare yrs
Hache 12
ents 9 3 1 8 3 - -s 5 4 3

Karamara 10 7 3 2 7 1 - 1 6 1 2

Osole 8 4 4 - 4 2 2 - 2 2 4

Those who were educated respondent have the great ability to accept the new technology,
modem honey beekeeping practice to use agro forestry system for beekeeping practice and they
got information from different source such as media, written documents and experience share

12
with model farmers within different kebeles. Due to this they manage their honey bee colonies
properly and they have got more products from his/her bees. Uneducated respondents

their product and their bee colonies were less were of those illiterate has failing to accept new
technology and its management system is only depend up on traditional way of keeping bee and
usage of agro forestry and cost of the modern hives as well as they did not manage their hives
properly and they have got less products from his/her honey bee colonies.

4.3 Beekeeping practice in the study area.

Most of 30% of the respondent in the study area practice modern beekeeping system and the rest
70% of the respondent can practice traditional beekeeping by modifying its system. The
command practice the rational beekeeping activity practiced in the study area includes long
hopping, wrapping hives, smoking hives, and putting hives on the top of the tree fond in the agro
forests, feeding and watering honey bees participating farmers bee and bee hives management
activities such as regular hive inspection and feeding honey bees during period of feed (flower)
and water scarcity and are becoming family in the study area.

The activity of colonies was very teak. Because some peoples means the beekeepers not c know
when to add super and removed it. Also they did not the importance of supporting and criteria
required for supporting some of the hive not have lid, but they cover it with rattan cover and
plastic materials. Other was opposition to loge down hives were not bounded (fence) and placed
on bare land without shade. lf the bee was disturbed, they can affect livestock and human being
available in the surrounding area.

13
Table-4. Types of hive and their productivity yield per year

Number of Types of hive Number of Yield of Total yield of

respondents hive honey
Kebele honey
Kg/year Kg/year

Hache Traditional 60 10 600

12 Modern 4 30 120

Karamara 10 Traditional 38 13 494

Modern 4 40 160

Osole 8 Traditional 30 12 360

Modern 2 28 56

As indicated in the above table those who practice traditional hives were got less products.
Because due to the mixing of different honey bee products such as waxes, brood, propels and
other honey bee products. Whereas who practiced modern hives got more honey bee

Products from small amounts of hives because the honey was already separated from any anther
honey bee product but modern hive very productive and its suitable for the bee. It is their
separated space not crowded because they have many plant and water in the study area

14
4.4 Honey bee forage in the study area.

The existence of diversified species of plants around Bensa Woreda and their surrounding has
resulted in the existence of large colony population in the area. According to the respondents still
various honey bee plants exist in the area this study took the advantages when the informant
listed the potential plant species from which honey bees are currently collecting pollen and
nectar for making honey.

Among the plant species Sabdayer, Sewakerny, Eucalyptus .sp, Cordial Africana and Olea
Africana. More over the plant was the main determinates for honey production. Honey
production in dry season is very low, but in wet season was very high and more over it
determines always the flower content. The frequencies of honey determine of the season three or
two unlimited.

15
Table 5. Major Honey bee floral resources in study area

Vernacular Botanical Nature of Plants Flowering season

Amharic(Amh) Name
Sidamiyna (Sida)

Girawa(Amh) hecho Vernonia shrub Sep – Oct

(sida) amygdalia

Bisana(Amh) Crorton Tree Feb – March

masincho(sida) machrostachys

Wanza(Amh) Cardial Tree April – May

wadicho(sida) Africana

Bahirizaf(Amh) Eucalyptusspp Tree Feb – March

barzafe(sida)

Buna(Amha) buna Coffee Tree Sept – Now

(sida) Arabica

Biribira(Amh) Milletia Tree Jan – Feb

hengedicho(sida) ferruginea

Tebenja enchet(Amh) Grevillea Tree Sep – Oct

qawete haqa(sida) robusta

Adeyabeba(Amh) Bidens Herb Sep – oct

adalcho(sida) macroptera

Zigiba(Amh) Padocarpus Tree June - july

dagucho(sida) falcatus

The name written by Amharic are (Amh) and local language Sidamiyna (Sida) and botanical
names.

16
Fig 3. Different Type of Bee Flora in Our Study Area

Table 6 trees used for preparing and smoking of traditional bee haves

Amharic (Amh) Botanical Name Nature of Plants use

Sidamic(sida)

Koreh(Amh) welako(sida) Tree Preparing traditional bee

haves
Bisana(Amh) masincho(sida) Crorton machrostachys Tree

Wanza(Amh) wadicho(sida) Cardial Africana Tree

Kulkal(Amh) Carre(sida) Tree

Shola(Amh) odakko(sida) Ficus sur Tree

Kereero(Amh) waacco(sida) Aningeria altissima Tree Smoking traditional bee

hives
Bahirizaf(Amh) barzafe(sida) Eucalyptus sp Tree

Haanxe(sida) shrub

17
Fig 4 way of smoking traditional bee haves

4.5 Honey Beekeeping Management in the Study Area.

About 50% of respondents (beekeepers) visit their bees every day while 25% of the visit their
bees of every three days and the rest 25% visit their bees to check of the hive was occupied with
bees and at least during honey harvesting seasons. Internal hive inspections is totally unknown
by beekeeping in tradition but in modem is very simple to control (inspection). About 70% of the
respondent cleaned their surrounding and potash and fuel under their tree and of hives to avoid
small ant and ant like insects such as guzba, booby, enzzta, blubridant, bat and etc. from
climbing the tree traditional farmers did not have any kind beekeeping equipment and did not air
about their colonies when harvesting this is because of their experience that they bees migrate to
other place suitable honey harvesting seasons. All respondents about 70% of the interviewed
beekeepers gave additional food and water for their bees in out of this. Among those to lose them

18
 and hence to their best honey in the second honey fallow season. According to respondent did
not control by cutting and removing the same part of brood commonly. Bees got enough space
and developed the remained pans of the colony. Rather than again developing in it brood combs.
The respondent put their hives on a tree and near the house the rats at the brunch of the trees.
This might be due to lack of knowledge about agro forestry system fo bee keeping practice. Lack
of supervision or follow up after hives distribution by donor organization did not have hive
stands rather it has been kept on inappropriate stone and woods where as other kept on the grand
without any stands more over the hives were totally surrounded by grasses and shrubs. This
could be affects bees from entering in to and coming from hives. This can waste pollen they
collecting while they struggle to inter the hives and also kill bee working time

Table 6 Showing Managements of Beekeeping in the Study Area

No Criteria Total No of Yes Percentage No Total l

respondent
s

1 Visit honey bee colony in each 30 15%

day
15 50% 100%

2 Visit in every 3 days 30 25% 100%

18 95%

3 Check occupied with bees and at 30 8 25% 75% 100%

harvesting time

4 Gave additional food and water 30 27 70% 30% 100%

for their bees

19
4.6 Opportunities for Beekeeping Practices in the Study Area.

Beekeeping can significantly benefit they yield of crop and forage production through

enhancing efficient pollination and can be sustainable form of agriculture for the framers. Honey
bees also have great contribution in maintain the equilibrium of the nature around Bensa woreda
distracts farming communities beekeeping has a long standing history and strong cultural values.

The main beekeeping production opportunities in the study area are:

 The farmers have great interest to learn and work with the improved and new technology
There is still good vegetation cover that can he used as honey forages to intensity honey
production and high demand for bee‘s production in the local and international markets.
Currently well designed a apiculture sector development policy. 'l he government is offering
modern bee hives at sub seized price that will build the capacity of the farmers and the user
of improved hives and modern beekeeping equipment and accessories are increasing
nongovernmental organization and important intervention area.
 General he results should that the ways of using agro forestry for honey bee production
practice is traditional ways of keeping bees around Bensa farmers. Preference of hives type
and their operation technique are found to be almost the different in all kebeles that I
selected, but to some extent the degree of awareness about the particular hive types operation
techniques various among kebeles the same district. In a kebeles the main source of the
farmers are depending up on agricultures. In some farmers limited beekeeping train and
experts good pre and post harvesting honey bee pests and enemies mentioned by farmers of
around Bensa distract includes ant’s , honey budget beef eatcr bird’s , wax, moth, spider and
beeches and guzba, boob and many other challenges. the season have great effect, that means
during heavily rain season and most dry season is more difficult for bees to produce honey
even if for themselves consumption of that time the food supplement is needed. However, it
is not familiar for the respondent’s farmers. The major agro forestry trees used for honey bee
hives and honey bee flora in the study area are (Vernonia aurt'gduliu . (‘rolon machrostachys,
\ Ficussur, Cordial africana, Eucalyptus sp, Cojfe ambit-u. Millelia ferruginea, Ficus
vasla.Bidens microprela and etc )

20
4.7. Constrain Challenges of Beekeeping Practice in the Study Area

Out of 30 sampled beekeepers the majority (67%) are agree on the decreasing trend in the yield
and the number of climatic change from time to time and this finding and this finding agree with
Kebede Hafitu and Tadese Gezu (2004) who report pesticide and herbicide application, lack of
water, decreasing in number of colony, lack of improved bee hives, and poor management of the
beekeeper are reasons for products for honey bee population decline. Whereas 24 % and 9% of
the rest respondent agree with increasing and unchanged way of production system respectively.
The major beekeeping constraints are technical and institutional which comes from honey bees
characteristics or environmental factors that are beyond the control of beekeepers whereas others
have arisen with poor marketing infrastructure and storage facility based the information of the
sample respondents, there are a number of difficult) and challenges that are hostile to achieve the
success of desired honey production. The identified and prioritized major problem facing the
beekeeping activities as indicating in the following table

Pests and predators

Rank

Honey bagger( mellivora cepanensis) First

Spiders Second

Ants Third

Bee lice Fourth

Beetles Fifth

Snake Seven

Wax Six

21
 5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5. l. Conclusions

From the reflected result and discussion the following conclusions have been drawn

 The source of income are depends up on the mixed agricultural practices.

 The majority of the total community is kept their hives on the tree because of the
availability of different bee floras around faming site.
 The traditional bee hives are common in the study area and which can get small amount
of honey from each. hives because the farmers cannot manage their bee colonies
properly.
 Beekeepers have good indigenous knowledge of traditional beekeeping according to the
responses of the respondent knowledge used by the interviewed beekeepers were
smoking baited hives by swarm attractant materials like ekebergia capensi (saraaje*(G)
and Olea aficana (A) honey harvested time by smelling observation resource the honey
bee are collecting and insert stick to beehive to check for honey presence, controlling,
reproductive swarming by removing brood, strengthening of colony by feeding like hare.
5.2. Recommendation

 Emphasis should be given to rigorous training program for the community focusing on
the practice aspect of beekeeping and involvement of agro forestry on improved
beekeeping to raise awareness and promotion of beekeeping.
 Based on the result observed the following points are drawn as recommendation.
 Owing to presently identified weak beekeeping extension service in the area
strengthening the extension services is suggested.

22
 REFERANCES

Abiy Bekele (2009) _ Process of honey and bee wax for export data accessed September 30,
2009.

Amsalu Bezabh (2009).Livestock production and environment implication for sustainable

livelihoods proceeding of the 7‘h annual conference of Ethiopia society animal production
(ESAP), held in Addis ababa Ethiopia, 26 27, may l999.

Ash by We, vogel WC and Koler CA (I983). Use of nitrogen Fixing trees and shrubs in
reclamation, in: proceeding of better reclamation with trees, Sid annual conference, Terre Haute,
IN, pp l0l-l08

Ayalew kassaye (2001). Beekeeping extension activity in Ethiopia preceding of the third
national an ual conference of Ethiopian beekeepers association (EBA) Adiss Ababa, Ethiopia.

CSA ontrol statistical agency (2007). Volume ll report on live stock and livestock
characteristics central statistical agency Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

Endessa Negera (2005), survey of honey productions system in west showa zone in proceeding
of the 4lh Ethiopian beekeeping association(EBA).

Kereal m Eiigu, TgahunGebey and Preston TR (2009). Constrain and prospects for
( Apiculture research and development in Amhara region, Ethidpia.

Mathewos Belissa, AliganeshTola and GizawKebedc (2004)me animal biodiversity in

Ethiopia status and proceeding of the l l Th annual conference of the Ethiopian society of animal
production (EASAP), held in Adiss Ababa, Ethiopia August 28 30, 3003.

MOA (200l).Minster of organizational agriculture in Ethiopia ruinier 5 (l995) on the beekeeping

industry in Uganda and its potential for development,

Tadesse Beyene and Phillips D 2007 ensuring small; scale producer in Ethiopia to achieve
sustainable and fair access to honey markets. Paper prepared for international development
Enterprises (105) and Ethiopian society for appropriate technology (ESAT), Addis Ababa
Ethiopia.

Tadese kippie (20]2).UNPL. Sidama agro forestry system for better beekeeping practice

http:// www. lrrd.org/lrrd28/12/asam 282l9.htmi

23
 APPENDEX l

QUESTIONER

Dear respondent:-

This is a senior research study entitled, on the practice of beekeeping' in Sidama agro forestry
system; the case of Bensa For the fulfillments of Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from
Dilla university. Your response may enrich my study if you properly provide you’re formally
answered.

Thank you!

Background information of the respondents

Sex Male Female

Age <30 31-45 46-60

Beekeepers experience < 5 years : 6 -10 years

l l -25 years > 25 years

Total land holding size <1 Hec l-3 Hec

4-6 hec >6 hec

1. What is your major economic source?

2. Do you have honey bee colonies? A. yes B. No

3. How many honey bee colonies you owned?

4. When did you start beekeeping -------years?

5. What is the source of your bee colonies?

24
A. catching swarm B. purchasing honey bee colony C. others...............

6. How many times in a year do you harvest?

A.1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

7. How much honey do you harvest from a single hives per harvest?

8. What is the major tree in agro forestry system?

9. What is the major bee Flora species among agro forestry trees?

L0.What is the (lowering colander of each species?

Vernacular
Name (Amh)
Botanical name Nature plants Flowering Remark
season

11. What is the Constraints/challenge of honey production?

12. Which tree species is used for preparing hives? Why?

13. If yes which type of hive do they frequently use for honey production?

A. traditional B. transitional C. modern D. All

I4. is there any other source of honey other than bee hives

A. Yes B. No

25
15. If yes which type? .................................................

l6. Does water available for your bee at all time? A. Yes

l7. Where keep hive site? A. On tree B. Near house

18. What are the materials or plant Species used to smoking and attracting bee colonies to their
hives?

26
 APPENDEX lI

የጽሁፍ መጠይቅ

ዉድ ተጠያቅ የጽሁፍ መጠይቅ ከድላ ዩኒቨርስቲ የትምህርት ከፍል የመጀመርያ ድግር ለማግኘት
በሲዳማ ከልል በንሳ ወረዳ በምገኙ የደን ሀብት የንብ እረባታ እንቅስቃሰ ለማጥናት የተዘጋጀ
የመመረቅያ ጽሁፍ ነዉ ፡፡ በመሆኑም የእረሶ ምላሽ ለጥናቱ ወሳኝ በመሆኑ ትክክለኛውን ምላሽ
ብቻ እንድመልሱልኝ በትህትና እጠይቃለሁ ፡፡

አመሰግናለሁ !

መመረያ አንድ ለተጠየቁት ጥያቀ የ√ ምልክት በማድረግ ይመልሱ ወይም አንዱን ያቅልሙት

ጾታ ወንድ ሴት

ዕድመ 30 31 –40 41—60 60 ---

አጠቃላይ የእረሻ ስፋት ከ 1 ሄ/ር በታች 1-3 4-6

ከ 6 ሀ/ር በላይ

የስርልምድ ከ 1-5 አመት ከ 6-10 አመት 11-20

ከ 20 አመት በላይ

1. ዋና የገብ ምንጭ ህ/ሽ ምንዲነዉ?

2. የንብ መንጋ አለህ/ሽ አለኝ/የለኝም?
3. መልሱ አለኘ ከሆነ ስንት ሀ) 1 ለ) ከ 5 በታች ሐ) ከ 6-10 መ) ከ 10 በላይ
4. የንብ እረባታ መቼ ጀመርክ/ሽ ?
5. የንብ መንጋዉን ከየት አገኘህ/ሽ?
6. በአመት ዉስጥ ስንት ጊዘ ታገኛለህ ?
7. ምን ያከላ የማር እንጀራ በአንድ ጊዘ ታገኛለህ ?
8. በእርሻህ ዉስጥ የምገኙት ዋና ዋና የዛፍ ዝርያዋች የትኞቹ ናቸው ?
9. ከነዝያ ዉስጥ ለንብ ምግብነት የምያገለግሉት የትኞቹ ናቸው ?
10. ባህላዊ ንብ ለመስራት የምያገለግሉ የደን ዛፎች የትኞቹ ናቸዉ ?

27