Assessment of the Quality of Traditionally Produced Honey in Borana Rangelands, Southern Ethiopia

Beekeeping has long been a vital sideline activity for agro-pastoral communities in the Borana rangelands, primarily aimed at income generation. This study aimed to assess the impact of beekeeping practices on honey production in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was employed to collect the data from traditional beekeeper households (HHs). The collected data encompassed the socio-economic characteristics of households, land and livestock holdings, and honey production practices, types of honey forages, honey yields, the contribution of honey to household income, as well as the constraints and opportunities associated with honey production. A total of 70 distinct types of nectar and pollen sources were identified that serve as major forages for bees in the area. The migration of honeybee colonies occurred in different months of the year, predominantly in December (75.9%), followed by January (11.7%) and February (6.8%), as reported by respondents. The average honey yield was 12 kg annually, with a peak yield of 21 kg. The occurrence of migration occurred in December and January, respectively, with an average of 75.9% of respondents reporting erratic and uneven rainfall. The findings of this study highlight the importance of modernizing traditional methods by integrating advanced technologies to enhance honey production and significantly increase production. To effectively mitigate migration and reduce the rate of absconding, it is essential to implement strategic supplementary feeding and improved pest control methods.