Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Bee Keeping in Nadhi-Nono District, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Background: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of beekeeping in Nadhi-Nono district, Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 200 beekeeper households selected from a total of 800 households engaged in honey production. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions, focusing on factors affecting honey production, as well as the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the households. Data were analyzed by SPSS V. 25 utilizing both qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistics. Result: The results indicated that 95% of beekeepers were male, while only 5% were female. Beekeeping in the area follows three main systems: traditional, transitional, and modern frame hive production. Traditional hives produced an average of 12 kg of honey per hive annually, with 60% of beekeepers relying on this method. The primary honey harvesting season occurs from November to December (85% of beekeepers), with a secondary season from February to April (15%). Key challenges affecting honey production included honey bee diseases (40%), pests and predators (25%), forage shortages (15%), water scarcity (10%), colony absconding (7%), and pesticide and herbicide misuse (3%). The study emphasizes the need for targeted training and education on honey storage, hive management, seasonal practices, and colony care, particularly during critical periods like dearth seasons and cold weather. Both public and private service providers are encouraged to support beekeepers in improving productivity and sustainability. Conclusion: The Nadhi-Nono district shows high potential for honey production, predominantly using traditional methods. Knowledge transfer within families sustains traditional practices, while literate beekeepers adopt transitional and modern systems. Marketing remains informal, with prices driven by honey color and harvest timing.