Modern and Traditional Beekeeping: Constraints and Opportunities for Promotion in Highland, Midland and Lowland Agro-ecologies

Beekeeping is environmentally and economically important farming that has been practiced in Ethiopia since time of immemorial. Recently, the Government and NGOs are trying to use it as a tool for poverty alleviation by providing modern beekeeping equipment. Therefore, this manuscript has explored the challenges and opportunities for promoting beekeeping in the highlands, midlands and lowland Agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Northern Ethiopia. To do so, 120 beekeepers and 120 colony market actors were interviewed. Personal observations based on professional expertise were held at different apiaries and colony market centres. The results show that Traditional and modern beekeeping in the highlands, midlands and lowlands differ in many aspects. Although the district is suitable for beekeeping, many constraints are facing including application of chemicals, absconding, high prices of colonies and honey adulteration. In spite of its valuable contribution, colony marketing has been neglected. Hence, promotion of beekeeping should be based on the specific production system in each AEZ. Skill of beekeepers should be improved to improve queen rearing, colony marketing and honey yield.