Evaluation of Transitional and Modern Hives for Honey Production in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Adami Tulu and Arsi Negelle districts from September 2009 to June 2012 to evaluate the productivity performance of transitional and modern bee hives. For this study purpose, three representative sites namely: Asebo, Adami Tulu research station and Ashoka Lepis site were used. Based on farmers’ capacity, one modern hive and one transitional hive made from locally available materials were used for the trail at each of the experimental farmer back yard. Before actual commencement of this study, theoretical and practical training session was given for a total of 30 beekeeper farmers at the selected sites. Data were collected for three years and analyzed using the General Linear Model analysis variance procedure of the statistical Analysis System (SAS) programmme. The average honey yield per hive/year from transitional hive was 13.88 kg, 13.21 kg and 10. 45 kg at Asebo, Adami Tulu Research station and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. There was a (p < 0.05) variation between Adami Tulu Research station and Ashoka Lepis site in honey yield per hive per year from transitional hive. Whereas the mean of honey yield from transitional at Adami Tulu Research Center and Asebo site was not significantly different (p>0.05).Significantly higher and lower honey yield from transitional hive was recorded at Asebo and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. The average honey yield per hive/year from modern hive was 23.18 kg, 21.61 kg and 18.45 kg at Adami Tulu Research center, Asebo and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. There was (p < 0.05) difference between the three representative sites in honey yield per hive/year from modern hives. The mean yield obtained from modern hive at all study sites was statistically higher when compared to transitional and traditional hives. The mean honey yield per hive/year from traditional hive was 6.08 kg, 5.94 kg and 4.94 kg at Adami Tulu Research Center, Asebo and Ashoka Lepis site respectively. There was no (P < 0.05) variation between all study sites in terms of honey yield from traditional hives. Generally, there was highly significant difference (p < 0.05) between the three types of hives in terms of honey yield per hive/year. Location and hive types interaction had significant effect on honey yield per hive at study area. Whereas hive types and season of honey harvesting interaction had no significant effect on honey yield per hive at the study area. It was concluded that using improved bee hives with improved management practices can improve honey yield and ensure better quality. Modern hive demand high expensive beekeeping equipments and accessories as well as skilled personnel compare to transitional and traditional hives. It is therefore recommended that government and non government organization should focus on scaling up and promoting the adoption of transitional bee hives to improve farmers’ income with little skills and low costs.