Amssalu Bezabih

Indigenous Knowledge of Beekeepers and Honeybee Production Systems: Sekota District, Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia Amssalu Bezabih

The following points should be given attention:conservation of natural resources, plantation of drought resistant honeybee floras, rehabilitation of degraded land, introduction of multipurpose trees and integration of these activities with the development of apiculture. Scientific control measures should be developed in order to avoid the 'bee eating bird' and the disease locally called 'mich'. Queen rearing techniques that can easily be adopted by farmers should be developed. Collection and processing to foundation sheet of the crude beeswax obtained from traditional and transitional hives is essential. Trainings on honey straining, handling of honey equipment, harvesting techniques and pre-and post- harvest handling of honey should periodically be given to honeybee keepers. Market linkages with the processors and exporters should also be created so as to increase access of beekeepers to local and international markets. Movable frame hives with its full packages, honey pressers and honey strainers should be provided to the beekeepers and the quality of these equipment should be checked before purchasing and distributing to end users.