Beekeeping opportunities, challenges and technology adoption in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia has enormous potential for beekeeping. However, its potential has been underutilized due to the traditional way of beekeeping practice. This study was conducted in the Gedeo zone with the main objectives of assessing opportunities, challenges and the adoption of beekeeping technology. Sample districts were purposely selected based on beekeeping potential and the number of improved hives owned by beekeepers. Data was collected from 180 beekeepers using a cross-sectional survey. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Education level, access to beekeeping training, beekeeping experience, access to beekeeping equipment, gender and annual income significantly affected the adoption of improved beehives. Therefore, to exploit the existing beekeeping opportunities, raising awareness through intensive training on improved beekeeping technology would be a crucial measure to increase the adoption of beekeeping technology. In addition, offering affordable improved beehive technology with beekeeping equipment would improve the adoption of improved beehives.

埃塞俄比亚养蜂业发展潜力巨大，但受传统养蜂模式束缚，其潜力尚未得到充分释放。本研究于盖多专区（Gedeo zone）展开，旨在评估养蜂业的发展机遇、现存挑战以及养蜂技术的采纳现状。研究团队依据区域养蜂潜力与养蜂户持有改良蜂箱的数量，采用目的抽样法选取样本县区。通过横断面调查（cross-sectional survey）共收集到180名养蜂户的有效数据，并运用描述性统计（descriptive statistics）与逻辑回归分析（logistic regression analysis）开展数据分析。结果表明，受教育水平、养蜂培训可及性、养蜂从业年限、养蜂设备可及性、性别以及年收入，对改良蜂箱的采纳行为存在显著影响。据此，为充分挖掘当地养蜂业的发展机遇，通过强化改良养蜂技术培训以提升养殖户认知，是推动养蜂技术推广应用的关键路径。此外，配套提供价格亲民的改良蜂箱及养蜂设备，也将有助于提升改良蜂箱的采纳率。