Smallholder Beekeeping Practices and Marketing Systems in Emba-Alaje District of Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was aimed to investigate beekeeping practices and marketing systems of smallholders in Emba-Alaje district of southern Tigray. From three agro-ecologies, six tabias (the smallest administrative unit) were selected purposively based on their beekeeping potential. A total of 180 respondents (30 from each tabia) were selected using random sampling methods from beekeepers. Household interviews, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools, informal discussions and personal observations were employed to collect the required data and information. The collected data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedures of SPSS computer software. Comparison of variables was done using independent samples t-test. The distribution of honeybee colonies was significantly different in the three agro-ecological zones with a high number of traditional hives in lowland areas and the modern one in midlands (p<0.05). Honey yield per traditional hive was 7.71±0.23 kg/hive/year, while it was 19.16±0.74 kg/hive/year for modern hive. Modern beekeepers harvest honey often once or twice and rarely three times a year in both highlands and midlands areas. Traditional beekeepers harvested often once and rarely twice a year. In lowland areas, honey was mostly harvested only once a year. The price of honey was influenced by season, color, taste, traditional ceremonies and distance from the market. The study district is blessed with large beekeeping potentials that need to be exploited for enhancing honey production and income through formulating strategic intervention options. Promoting modern hives, enhancing technical capacity, engaging landless in beekeeping businesses, organizing beekeepers cooperative, and establishing a strong beekeeping extension system are crucial to improve beekeeping value chain development in the study area.