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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Bee Keeping in Nadhi-Nono District, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Received: 21 March 2025     Accepted: 3 April 2025     Published: 29 April 2025
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Abstract

Background: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of beekeeping in Nadhi-Nono district, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 200 beekeeper households selected from a total of 800 households engaged in honey production. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions, focusing on factors affecting honey production, as well as the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the households. Data were analyzed by SPSS V. 25 utilizing both qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistics. Result: The results indicated that 95% of beekeepers were male, while only 5% were female. Beekeeping in the area follows three main systems: traditional, transitional, and modern frame hive production. Traditional hives produced an average of 12 kg of honey per hive annually, with 60% of beekeepers relying on this method. The primary honey harvesting season occurs from November to December (85% of beekeepers), with a secondary season from February to April (15%). Key challenges affecting honey production included honey bee diseases (40%), pests and predators (25%), forage shortages (15%), water scarcity (10%), colony absconding (7%), and pesticide and herbicide misuse (3%). The study emphasizes the need for targeted training and education on honey storage, hive management, seasonal practices, and colony care, particularly during critical periods like dearth seasons and cold weather. Both public and private service providers are encouraged to support beekeepers in improving productivity and sustainability. Conclusion: The Nadhi-Nono district shows high potential for honey production, predominantly using traditional methods. Knowledge transfer within families sustains traditional practices, while literate beekeepers adopt transitional and modern systems. Marketing remains informal, with prices driven by honey color and harvest timing.

Published in Advances in Biochemistry (Volume 13, Issue 2)
DOI 10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11
Page(s) 16-22
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Nadhi-Nono, Ethiopia, Oromia, Beekeeping

1. Introduction
Beekeeping, or apiculture, involves the rearing of bees to harvest products such as honey, pollen, propolis, and brood . It is widely recognized as a promising off-farm enterprise that supports smallholder incomes and contributes to national economies. Ethiopia stands out as a major player in African apiculture, holding the largest honeybee population on the continent and ranking tenth globally in honey production .
Global honey production faced setbacks in 2011 due to natural disasters like floods, droughts, and irregular rainfall patterns . The United States saw honey yields drop from 160 to 150 million pounds, the lowest in recorded history while China increased its production dramatically from 172 million to 898 million pounds. Africa, home to diverse wild honeybee species remains rich in honey resources, with Ethiopia leading the continent’s production due to its varied ecological and climatic conditions .
Ethiopia’s diverse flora and fauna, particularly its forests and woodlands, offer abundant nectar and pollen sources . This biodiversity supports approximately 10 million honeybee colonies, with farmers managing around seven million in hives, while the rest thrive in the wild . Beekeeping has long been an integral part of Ethiopian farming traditions . The country produces around 24,000 tons of crude honey annually, contributing 24% to Africa's honey output and 2% to global production, making Ethiopia the largest producer in Africa and the tenth worldwide (Edessa, 2005).
With over 7,000 flowering plant species, most of which are suitable for honeybees . Ethiopia possesses significant untapped potential in apiculture. Despite this, honey productivity remains low. Domestic consumption of hive products is high, but export levels are comparatively low. Adaptive research efforts over the past decades have yet to yield significant improvements in hive productivity. This may stem from diverse, location-specific challenges faced by beekeepers .
Nadhi-Nono district, with its rich vegetation and crop diversity, holds strong beekeeping potential. However, comprehensive research on honey production systems, challenges, and market dynamics in the district remains scarce. Detailed insights into local honey production, marketing systems, and associated constraints are crucial for improving productivity and supporting local beekeepers. This study aims to fill knowledge gap by examining the district's honey production potential, identifying key challenges, and highlighting opportunities to enhance productivity and sustainability.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Area
The study was carried out in Nadhi-Nono district (formerly known as Nono-Sele), located in the Illubabor zone of Oromia National and Regional State, Southwestern Ethiopia. The district lies approximately 700 km southwest of Addis Ababa, bordered by Gambela region to the southwest, Bure to the north, Halu to the northeast, and the Southwest Ethiopia Region (SWER) to the southeast (Figure 1). According to data from the Nono-Sele Agricultural Office, the district features varied topography with elevations ranging from 1300 to 2500 meters above sea level, positioned between 7° 45′ 0″ N latitude and 35° 15′ 0″ E longitude. According to personal communication with Nono-Sele district agricultural office, population data of the district is 39136 of which, 21032 are male and 18104 are female .
Figure 1. Map of the Nono Sele district (Nadhi-Nono district) [Source: Generated by Arch GIS 10.4.1].
2.2. Study Design
A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of beekeeping in Nadhi-Nono district from September to October 2024.
2.3. Study Population
The study population comprised honey-producing households in Nadhi-Nono district and experts from the natural resource and agricultural sectors within the study area.
2.4. Sampling Procedure and Sample Size
Six kebeles such as Haro, Tupi, Yakema, Derba, Asendabo, and Selale were purposively selected. A total of 200 respondents were included to ensure sufficient data collection. Apiaries were considered valid if they contained more than ten operational honeybee colonies. Site and respondent selection criteria included accessibility to roads, agroecological representation, and beekeeper willingness. Accordingly, 200 beekeeper households were selected from the total 800 beekeeping households across the six kebeles.
2.5. Methods of Data Collection
Prior to field data collection, discussions were held with the head of Nadhi-Nono district’s livestock resource, development, and health office, along with bee experts, to assist with site and respondent selection. Based on this input, 200 beekeepers were randomly selected. Structured questionnaires, checklists, and visual observations were utilized to gather data from the selected respondents.
2.6. Data Collection Procedure
Data were primarily collected through questionnaires and site visits. The questionnaires included both open-ended and closed-ended questions, designed to assess honey production, influencing factors, and current practices. The questions were formulated to align with the study objectives, covering personal information, educational background, honey production experience, and exposure to modern beekeeping practices.
2.7. Data Analysis
The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS V. 25 performing descriptive statistical methods, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Results were presented through tables and figures, with frequencies and percentages to illustrate key findings. Qualitative data were analyzed descriptively, while quantitative data were summarized numerically.
3. Result
3.1. Results
Respondents’ demographic data, including gender, marital status, age, and education level, are summarized in Table 1. The study revealed that 95% of respondents were male, while only 5% were female, indicating women’s underrepresentation in beekeeping. Age distribution showed that 20% of respondents were between 18 to 30 years, 70% were aged 31 to 50, and 10% were over 50 years old. Regarding marital status, 80% were married and 20% were single, demonstrating that beekeeping is practiced across different social groups. Educationally, 57.5% of respondents were illiterate, 35% had completed grades 1-4, 7.5% completed grades 5-8, and none had reached grade 9 or above.
Table 1. Age, Sex, Marital, and educational status of the respondents.

Characteristics

Frequency (n = 200)

Percentage (%)

Gender

Male

190

95%

Female

10

5%

Total

200

100%

Age

18-30

40

20%

31-50

140

70%

>50

20

10%

Total

200

100%

Marital status

Married

160

80%

Single

40

20%

Total

200

100%

Educational status

Illiterate

115

57.5%

1-4 grade

70

35%

5-8 grade

15

7.5%

>9 grade

-

0%

Total

200

100%

3.2. Honey Production System
Honey production in the study area involves three systems: traditional, transitional, and modern. Traditional hives dominated, accounting for 80% of hives, followed by 14% transitional hives and 6% modern frame hives (Table 2).
Table 2. Traditional, transitional, and modern honey production system.

Types of honey production

No. of Bee hives (n = 1014)

Percentage (%)

Traditional

160

80%

Transitional

28

14%

Modern/Frame

12

6%

3.3. Productivity of Beekeeping
Traditional hives produced an average of 12 kg of honey per hive annually, accounting for 60% of production. Transitional hives yielded 18 kg per hive annually (30%), while modern hives produced an average of 22 kg per hive annually (10%) (Table 3).
Table 3. Mean productivity of honey.

Types of Hives

Mean Productivity (kg/hive/year

Frequency

Percent (%)

Traditional

12kg

120

60%

Transitional

18kg

60

30%

Frame/Modern

22kg

40

10%

3.4. Current Practices and Placement of Honeybee Colonies
In the study area, the placement of the hives by respondents in the study area” from the total sampled households, 120 (60%) of them place their colonies at the forest tree, then about 60 (30%) place their colonies at backyards and 10% in the all agroecology under the eaves of the house and there is no any hives inside the house in all agroecology. The result shows most of the beekeepers kept their hives at back yard (Table 4).
Table 4. Placement of the hives by respondents in the study area.

Variables

Frequency (n = 200)

Percent (%)

Back yard

60

30%

Under the eaves of the house

20

10%

Forest tree

120

60%

Total

200

100%

3.5. Peak Honey Production Periods
Honey is harvested at the end of flowering time. In the study area there are two phase of honey harvesting period. The major and the most known to all beekeepers is February to April 170 (85%) and the minor one is from November to December 30 (15%) (Table 5).
Table 5. Honey production period in the study area.

Production Periods

Frequency

Percent (%)

February to April

170

85%

November to December

30

15%

Total

200

100%

3.6. Honey Marketing Systems
In the study area out of the total respondents about 8% of beekeepers used their honey for home consumption, 80% of beekeepers supply and sell their honey for “Tej” house marketing, and 12% to other customers (Table 6).
Table 6. Honey marketing in the study area.

Market Participant

Honey producers

Frequency

Percent (%)

Home consumption

16

8%

Tej producers

160

80%

Other customers

24

12%

Total

200

100%

3.7. Challenges of Honey Production in the Study Area
The current result shows that (25%) of beekeepers in the study area reported the problem of pest and predators, (40%) of the respondents were reported that honey bee diseases are one of the challenges affects honey production, followed by misuse of pesticides and herbicides (3%), colony absconding (7%), shortage of bee forages (15%), and (10%) of the reported challenge was shortage of water (Table 7). The result of the study on the “. Major challenges with the honey production systems in the study area” The major challenge that affect honey production was honey bee diseases about 80 (40%), then followed by 50 (25%) the problem of pest and predators, the next shortage of bee forages about 30 (15%), shortage of water was about 20 (10%), colony absconding 14 (7%) and the least challenge was misuse of pesticides and herbicides about 6 (3%).
Table 7. Major challenges with the honey production systems in the study area.

Parameters

Frequency

Percent (%)

Honeybee pests and predators

50

25%

Misuse of pesticides and herbicides

6

3%

Honey bee diseases

80

40%

Colony absconding

14

7%

Shortage of bee forages

30

15%

Shortage of water

20

10%

Total

200

100%

4. Discussions
The study's findings demonstrated that the majority of respondents were male, while women made up a smaller proportion. However, women’s contribution to beekeeping tasks such as cleaning beneath hive shelters and protecting hives from birds and other animals often surpassed that of men. Decision-making, particularly regarding work methods and benefits, was largely controlled by husbands. This imbalance might stem from limited governmental and non-governmental support for female-headed households involved in beekeeping. Therefore, to boost women’s participation and motivation, targeted training programs for women are crucial. This finding aligns with the results of .
The productivity of the traditional beekeeping system in the area based on beekeeper estimates, revealed that honeybee colonies in traditional hives produce an average of 12 kg of honey per hive annually (60%). Minor variations between agro-ecological zones were attributed to differences in feeding and watering practices during dearth periods. Nevertheless, colony absconding remains a challenge, with colonies abandoning hives within days or becoming inactive. Around 120 (60%) of the beekeepers reported placing their hives on forest trees similarly positioned hives on tree branches, with the remaining ones placing them in backyards. This study aligns with .
Honey harvesting occurs in two main phases, typically at the end of the flowering season. The primary and most productive period is from February to April, followed by a smaller harvest from November to December. This pattern reflects the seasonal flowering cycles, leading to a peak honey supply during these times and a decline in the dry season when colonies require supplementary feeding. This result is consistent with findings other research findings conducted elsewhere in the country and in the globe .
Regarding honey sales, approximately 80% of beekeepers sell their honey to local "Tej" houses, 8% consume it domestically, and 12% supply other customers in kombolcha and birbirsa towns. The honey marketing chain was examined to understand how honey moves from producers to final consumers. In selale Kebele, there are no established district or village-level market centers for honey sales. The key actors in the local honey value chain are smallholder beekeepers, "Tej" producers, and customers, primarily from kombolcha and Birbirsa towns, who often visit beekeepers directly to purchase honey. Honey prices in the area, as reported by sample beekeepers, are primarily determined by color, quality, and source, with prices remaining relatively stable throughout the year. The dominant honey colors observed were red, yellow, and a lighter, whitish hue. Similar studies in different part of the country reported similar report .
Most beekeepers were able to identify colony problems and the periods when these issues occurred. The primary challenge affecting honey production was honeybee diseases followed by pest and predator issues These finding is consistent with .
5. Conclusions
The Nadhi-Nono district shows high potential for honey production, predominantly using traditional methods. Knowledge transfer within families sustains traditional practices, while literate beekeepers adopt transitional and modern systems. Marketing remains informal, with prices driven by honey color and harvest timing. Challenges such as agrochemical use, diseases, and resource shortages persist, despite opportunities like abundant bee flora and growing governmental support. Expanding transitional and modern beekeeping methods, especially in lowland and midland areas, could enhance productivity.
Abbreviations

SPSS

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences

SWER

Southwest Ethiopia Region

Acknowledgments
I acknowledge the Nadhi-Nono community for their valuable participation.
Author Contributions
Abadir Abdu conducted the research, data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation. Girma Gudesho supervised and guided the study.
Ethics Approval and Consent
The study was approved by Mizan-Tepi University’s ethical committee, and informed consent was obtained.
Funding
No external funding was received.
Data Availability Statement
All data are presented within this manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
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    Abdu, A., Gudesho, G. (2025). Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Bee Keeping in Nadhi-Nono District, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Advances in Biochemistry, 13(2), 16-22. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11

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    Abdu, A.; Gudesho, G. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Bee Keeping in Nadhi-Nono District, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Adv. Biochem. 2025, 13(2), 16-22. doi: 10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11

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    AMA Style

    Abdu A, Gudesho G. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Bee Keeping in Nadhi-Nono District, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Adv Biochem. 2025;13(2):16-22. doi: 10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11,
      author = {Abadir Abdu and Girma Gudesho},
      title = {Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Bee Keeping in Nadhi-Nono District, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
    },
      journal = {Advances in Biochemistry},
      volume = {13},
      number = {2},
      pages = {16-22},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ab.20251302.11},
      abstract = {Background: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of beekeeping in Nadhi-Nono district, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 200 beekeeper households selected from a total of 800 households engaged in honey production. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions, focusing on factors affecting honey production, as well as the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the households. Data were analyzed by SPSS V. 25 utilizing both qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistics. Result: The results indicated that 95% of beekeepers were male, while only 5% were female. Beekeeping in the area follows three main systems: traditional, transitional, and modern frame hive production. Traditional hives produced an average of 12 kg of honey per hive annually, with 60% of beekeepers relying on this method. The primary honey harvesting season occurs from November to December (85% of beekeepers), with a secondary season from February to April (15%). Key challenges affecting honey production included honey bee diseases (40%), pests and predators (25%), forage shortages (15%), water scarcity (10%), colony absconding (7%), and pesticide and herbicide misuse (3%). The study emphasizes the need for targeted training and education on honey storage, hive management, seasonal practices, and colony care, particularly during critical periods like dearth seasons and cold weather. Both public and private service providers are encouraged to support beekeepers in improving productivity and sustainability. Conclusion: The Nadhi-Nono district shows high potential for honey production, predominantly using traditional methods. Knowledge transfer within families sustains traditional practices, while literate beekeepers adopt transitional and modern systems. Marketing remains informal, with prices driven by honey color and harvest timing.
    },
     year = {2025}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Bee Keeping in Nadhi-Nono District, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
    
    AU  - Abadir Abdu
    AU  - Girma Gudesho
    Y1  - 2025/04/29
    PY  - 2025
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11
    T2  - Advances in Biochemistry
    JF  - Advances in Biochemistry
    JO  - Advances in Biochemistry
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    EP  - 22
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2329-0862
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ab.20251302.11
    AB  - Background: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of beekeeping in Nadhi-Nono district, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 200 beekeeper households selected from a total of 800 households engaged in honey production. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions, focusing on factors affecting honey production, as well as the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the households. Data were analyzed by SPSS V. 25 utilizing both qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistics. Result: The results indicated that 95% of beekeepers were male, while only 5% were female. Beekeeping in the area follows three main systems: traditional, transitional, and modern frame hive production. Traditional hives produced an average of 12 kg of honey per hive annually, with 60% of beekeepers relying on this method. The primary honey harvesting season occurs from November to December (85% of beekeepers), with a secondary season from February to April (15%). Key challenges affecting honey production included honey bee diseases (40%), pests and predators (25%), forage shortages (15%), water scarcity (10%), colony absconding (7%), and pesticide and herbicide misuse (3%). The study emphasizes the need for targeted training and education on honey storage, hive management, seasonal practices, and colony care, particularly during critical periods like dearth seasons and cold weather. Both public and private service providers are encouraged to support beekeepers in improving productivity and sustainability. Conclusion: The Nadhi-Nono district shows high potential for honey production, predominantly using traditional methods. Knowledge transfer within families sustains traditional practices, while literate beekeepers adopt transitional and modern systems. Marketing remains informal, with prices driven by honey color and harvest timing.
    
    VL  - 13
    IS  - 2
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Author Information
  • Abstract
  • Keywords
  • Document Sections

    1. 1. Introduction
    2. 2. Materials and Methods
    3. 3. Result
    4. 4. Discussions
    5. 5. Conclusions
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  • Abbreviations
  • Acknowledgments
  • Author Contributions
  • Ethics Approval and Consent
  • Funding
  • Data Availability Statement
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • References
  • Cite This Article
  • Author Information