PROFITABLITY OF MODERN BEHIVE AT GECHI DISTRICT, SOUTHWESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze economic importance of modern bee hive at household level in Gechi District of Buno Bedele zone, Southwestern Ethiopia with an objectives of compare modern and traditional beekeepers in economic benefit, identify the determinants of modern beehive use and level of income and evaluate the implication of modern beehive in social issues at household level. Multi-stage random sampling technique was implemented to select the representative sample techniques. Both the primary and secondary data was used during data collection. A total of 60 household from three kebeles were selected for interview. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometrics analysis. Heckman regression a method is used to analysis the determinants of modern beekeeping use and level of income. The results of the study indicated that driving force to have bee colonies comprises 93.5% for income and 6.5% for consumption purpose. It showed that the average income of households with modern beekeeping (Birr 4570.4/household) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than those households with traditional beekeeping (Birr 1804.8/household). Despite relative investment in using modern beekeeping, households’ gross income increased by 250% compared to the traditional beekeepers. The robust result indicates that (relying on selection observables and assuming no selection bias) the mean income of households has significantly increased due to improved beekeeping. Over all, modern beekeeping have created improved livelihood in terms of better income so as enhancing capability to buy household demands and productive investments, it is suggested that future research and development interventions should focus on the modern beekeeping development technologies specially for women as the interventions contribute most to the economic and social issues.