Assessment of Function of Beekeepers Farmers Research Group in Selected Oromia Zones

Assessment of the function of beekeepers Farmers’ Research Extension Group (FREG) was conducted in Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfine, West shewa and Southwest shewa Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia from February to May, 2021 with the specific objectives to assess the main functions of FREGs and to explore challenges faced beekeepers FREGs in the areas. The interview was conducted using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires to collect the required data. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarize variables, while inferential tools like independent samples t-test and chi-square were used to test variables under hypothesis. The results indicated that FREGs participants were better involved in diagnosis situations, result evaluation and dissemination than nonmembers. Some of the major constraints identified from the assessment include weak linkage among stakeholders, lack of habit of working together and poor participation of beekeepers in innovation system. The result also revealed that sex of household heads, experience in beekeeping, education level and family size showed significant difference. Hence, FREG approach has help project participants to improve their participation in research and development activity. However, substantial support is required from stakeholders in order to improve linkage and broaden its scope.