Pre-Extension Demonstration of Crude Beeswax Extraction Technology in Ilu Gelan District, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The current bee wax production system remains underdeveloped among smallholder beekeepers due to lack the necessary expertise and methods for processing crude bee wax in Ethiopia. The study was conducted in the Ilu Gelan district with the goal of raising knowledge about the importance of bee wax for income generation. The farmers’ research extension group (FREG) was employed to demonstrate the method, with one FREG of 20 beekeepers at each appropriate site (kebele), for a total of 40 beekeepers. Crude beeswax materials, such as broken or dried combs and <i>sefef</i>, were used to produce pure bees wax blocks. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources in both qualitative and quantitative forms. In-depth key informant interviews, focus groups discussion, and observations were used for qualitative data collection. Likewise checklists used for quantitative data. The qualitative data was examined using narrative response and content analysis approaches. Nonetheless, the quantitative data was analyzed using statistical tools for descriptive and inferential purposes. Overall, 58 participants obtained the knowledge required to act as future resources in the study area. The submerged crude beeswax rendering method yielded an average of 3.67 kg and 3.28 kg of pure beeswax from 10 kg of comb wax and <i>sefef</i>, respectively. A statistically significant (P< 0.05) yield difference was seen between submerged and sack jute methods of crude wax extraction using comb wax. Thus, through education and information sharing, it is essential to ensure technology's long-term survival in potential areas and with more beneficiaries through development efforts.