CONTRIBUTION OF MODERN BEEKEEPING TECHNOLOGY ON THE INCOME OF HOUSEHOLD IN TOLAY AREA OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The study examined the comparative analyses of modern and traditional beekeeping in 11 Tolay area, Oromia Regional state. It considered as objectives the comparative analyses of the contribution of modern bee hives verses the traditional one towards improving the income of beekeepers. 84 bee keepers 37 modern, 29 traditional18 both modern and traditional bee hives owners were involved in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and oral interview. Beekeeping activity in the study area is highly dominated by men (89.3%) as compared to women (10.7 %).The result showed that the average honey production from modern hives per hive per year was 18.03 kg while the traditional hive was 5.15 kg. The average annual income from modern beehives was estimated to be Birr 9346.45. This was significantly (198.3%) higher than the estimated average annual income from traditional beehives. Investment in modern bee keeping has increased significantly in the study area. The government, ICIPE and Biovision were contributing technical and financial support for the improvement of income for Tolay communities. Thus, it is highly recommended that bee keepers should be encouraged to practice modern beekeeping technology by providing financial and technical supports in order to boost their income at household level.