Indigenous Practice on Behavioural and Productive Characteristics of Local Honeybee (Apis Mellifera) Sub Species at Southern Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and document indigenous practices regarding the behavioural and productive characteristics of different local honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations in the Southern Oromia region of Ethiopia, where beekeeping plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods and ecological sustainability. Data were collected using a multi-faceted approach, including structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and in-depth interviews with key informants, such as experienced beekeepers and community elders, who possess valuable traditional knowledge. The study sample included a wide range of beekeepers, with the majority (44.62%) between the ages of 24 and 32, and 26.15% between 16 and 24, extending overall from 16 to 65 years. Most beekeepers primarily relied on indigenous knowledge passed down through generations for honey production, maintaining traditional beehives, typically hung on trees near their homesteads. Through their practical experience, beekeepers developed a unique classification system, grouping honeybee colonies into distinct categories based on physical characteristics, such as colour, body size, character, and honey yield. Specifically, they distinguished colonies as either "black" or "red" based on body colour, with the black ecotype being favoured due to its perceived superior productivity, adaptability to local environmental conditions, and lower tendencies for absconding and seasonal migration. This preference indicates the black honeybee's suitability for stable and productive honey yields in this region. To further support and enhance these traditional practices, it is recommended to evaluate the behaviour and productivity of local honeybee populations from different agro-ecological zones under controlled experimental conditions. Additionally, providing practical training in honeybee biology, behaviour, and selective breeding could enrich local beekeepers’ knowledge, ultimately leading to improved honey production, preservation of valuable ecotypes, and sustainable apiculture development in the region