Assessment of Stingless Bee Production Potentials, Distribution, and Constraints in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was proposed to assess the stingless bee production potentials, distribution, and constraints in West Hararghe Zone Oromia Regional State Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used. A structured and semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and data were collected by using the purposive sampling method. A total of 80 respondents were interviewed and practical field investigations were conducted. According to the study results, about 59.26%, 100%, 77.78%, and 21.05% of respondents in Sire Gudo, Sire Qallo, Sire Qallo Gato, and Sire Qallo Haro Xaxe respectively get stingless bees suddenly without searching. As per the study's findings about 74.07%, 0%, 44.44% and 68.42% of respondents in Sire Gudo, Sire Qallo, Sire Qallo Gato and Sire Qallo Haro Xaxe kebeles reported that no management was given for stingless bee. According to the present findings about 51.85%, 0%, 22.22%, and 21.05% of respondents in Sire Gudo, Sire Qallo, Sire Qallo Gato and Sire Qallo Haro Xaxe kebeles reported that honey harvesting is the challenge of stingless bee production. In Gemechis district there was indigenous knowledge regarding stingless bee production, the searching method of stingless bees, honey harvesting from stingless bees, the use of stingless bees, and constraints/challenges of stingless bee production. The main challenge of stingless bee production in the study district was nest destruction during honey harvesting. In general, the overall stingless bee production in the study area was hopeful and to establish a sustainable stingless bee production, proper management and adaptation of stingless bees in artificial hive is essential. Once more, further study is required to study the production potential, of this bee in the rest part of the West Hararghe Zone.