The Significance of Honey Production for Livelihood In Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, bee keeping practice has old age historical practice even though it is difficult to estimate when bee keeping practice had been started accurately. Honey production and beekeeping is a promising non-farm activity for the rural households. It directly and indirectly contributes to the income of households and the economy of the nation. Honey and bee wax considerable to the national economy through the export earnings. Beekeepers, honey and bees wax collators’, retailers, tej brewers, processors and exporters are identifying to be the factors in the value chain of the sub-sectors. Beekeeping is believed to play a significant role and one of the possible options to the smallholder farmers in order to sustain their livelihood. In addition to their financial values, honey and bees wax have many cultural values and forms apart of ceremonies for birth, marriage, funeral, charismas and other religious celebration in many society.

Key words: Bee harvesting, Traditional beekeeping, Market, Poverty alleviation.Traditional medicine.