Enhancing Income Generation through Participatory Adoption of Improved Beekeeping Practices: A Case Study from Goljano District, Somali Region, Ethiopia
Abdi Mohamed Ali
Socio-economic and Extension Directorate, Somali Region livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 398, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
Abdulahi Gas Omer
Livestock and Range Management Directorate, Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 398, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
Fatumo Mohamud Samale
Socio-economic and Extension Directorate, Somali Region livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 398, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
Mahamed Dol Ateye *
Food Science and Nutrition Research Directorate, Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 398, Jigjiga, Ethiopia and Department of Human Nutrition, College of Dry Land Agriculture, Jigjiga University, P.O. Box 1020, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was conducted in the Goljano district, Fafan Zone, to evaluate and demonstrate the productivity of modern beekeeping technologies. A Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research and Extension Group (PAPREG) was established, comprising 25 members with prior experience in beekeeping. The participants received both theoretical and practical training on honeybee colony transfer and management. Essential beekeeping tools and modern hives were distributed to the beekeepers. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, with statistical comparisons conducted using a T-test. The results showed that modern hives produced a significantly higher average honey yield (25.8 kg per hive per year) compared to traditional hives (10.55 kg per hive per year). Seasonal comparisons also indicated that modern hives yielded more honey in both Season 1 (12.3 kg) and Season 2 (13.5 kg) (P<0.05). PAPREG members identified higher yield (54.01%), ease of inspection (24%), and ease of harvesting (21.99%) as the main advantages of modern hives. However, challenges associated with modern hives included high cost (53.63%), the need for advanced skills (34.12%), and additional accessories (12.25%). Based on these findings, scaling up modern beekeeping technologies with full technological packages is recommended to enhance honey production and improve the income of beekeepers in agro-pastoral communities.
Keywords: Honey production, modern beehives, participatory evaluation, traditional beehives