Dissemination of Stingless Bee Domestication Using Pot Hives in Ambo and Toke Kutaye districts of West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Lalisa Wendimu Biyena (Oromia Agricultural Research Institute)

Formosa Journal of Science and Technology (FJST)
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): February 2025

The purpose of this study was to raise awareness for domesticating stingless bees to generate revenue and promote sustainable species conservation. A farmer's research extension group that consists of 20 beekeepers per district, was directly involved in the project; 30 beekeepers in total took part in the technology's pre-scaling up. Potential representative kebele per district was chosen. Theory-practical training was given to beneficiaries, and bee experts. According to the study, stingless bee colonies yield an average of 2.53 liters of honey annually, ranging from 0.85 to 3 liters. The net income from modern stingless bee practice was US $ 66.831, while the net income from traditional (hunting) practice was US $ 12.875. The study shows that employing modern stingless bees yields a return that is US $ 53.974 higher than honey hunting. Notable advancements have been made in the management of stingless bees, species conservation, and the amount and quality of honey produced.