Enhancing Income Generation through Participatory Adoption of Improved Beekeeping Practices: A Case Study from Goljano District, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Goljano district, Fafan Zone, to evaluate and demonstrate the productivity of modern beekeeping technologies. A Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research and Extension Group (PAPREG) was established, comprising 25 members with prior experience in beekeeping. The participants received both theoretical and practical training on honeybee colony transfer and management. Essential beekeeping tools and modern hives were distributed to the beekeepers. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, with statistical comparisons conducted using a T-test. The results showed that modern hives produced a significantly higher average honey yield (25.8 kg per hive per year) compared to traditional hives (10.55 kg per hive per year). Seasonal comparisons also indicated that modern hives yielded more honey in both Season 1 (12.3 kg) and Season 2 (13.5 kg) (P<0.05). PAPREG members identified higher yield (54.01%), ease of inspection (24%), and ease of harvesting (21.99%) as the main advantages of modern hives. However, challenges associated with modern hives included high cost (53.63%), the need for advanced skills (34.12%), and additional accessories (12.25%). Based on these findings, scaling up modern beekeeping technologies with full technological packages is recommended to enhance honey production and improve the income of beekeepers in agro-pastoral communities.