Assessment of Honey Bee Production System, Honey Bee Flora and Poisonous Plants, Post-Harvest Handling and Marketing of Honey in South Omo Zone of SNNPR of Ethiopia

Abstract

The survey was conducted in south omo zone to assess the production system, honey Bee flora, poisonous plants, post harvest handling and marketing of Honey Bee products.It covered four woredas namely, ‘Debub Ari’, ‘Malee’, ‘Hammer’ and ‘Selamago’. Three to five PA’s were selected from each woreda and the total number of PA’s included in the study was sixteen. The total number of sample population was sixty-eight. Data collection methods used for the survey include interview by using a semi-structured interview schedule, group discussions and personal observations. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS. The study showed that, the production system of the area to be too traditional and backward. Almost all of the respondents were found to use traditional bee hives, 97.87% of the respondents keep (hang) their beehives in forests, 6-10 km away from their home, 38.25% have never tried to apply any pests and predators control. Almost all of the respondents have never tried to control swarming. However, some respondents 17.68% were found to have swarm catching experiences. The average amount of honey harvested per hive in the area found to be 6.91kgs, with a standard deviation of 3.64. The average amount of annual honey sell of the respondents was found to be 35.36kg, with a standard deviation of 45.53. In addition, the respondents’ average annual income obtained from sale of honey was found to be 780.57 birr, with a standard deviation of 873.61.Much has to be done to improve the production system of the area and thereby enhance the production and productivity of the sector. Generally, it is advisable to establish a model apiary site in order to serve as a demonstration center for farmers and pastoralist and additionally, farmers, pastoralists and development workers need to get trainings about modern, improved honey beekeeping production systems.