Beekeeping and perception of local beekeepers on the diversity of bee flora and flowering phenology in the community of Welkait, Western Tigray, Ethiopia

nowledge on honeybee flora is very crucial to identify diversity of honeybee plant species and their contribution in improving beekeeping. The study was conducted to identify the honeybee flora diversity, floral calendar, their nectar and pollen contribution in Welkait district, Tigray region. Moreover, the study addressed the honeybee practices by the local beekeepers. A semi-structured questionnaire interview, focus group discussions and field observation were used to gather the data. Hundred fifty two purposefully selected local beekeepers were approached for this interview. Results revealed that 106 honeybee plant species belonging to 46 families, 27.4% of them from lowlands, 34.9% from midland and 37.7% from both agroecological zones were collected and identified. Among the honeybee plant species, 44.3% were herbs, 39.6% were trees, 16.1% were shrubs. This study demonstrated that people have a rich knowledge of honeybee flora of the Welkait that could strengthen beekeeping practices of the region via natural conservation for sustainable use and development.