Challenges and perspectives for beekeeping in Ethiopia. A review

Abstract The honey bee is an important fruit and vegetable pollinator a producer of other hive products. Beekeeping sustainable high-potential activity for local communities especially the rural poor to gain additional income through non-timber forest products, does not require much land or high starting costs, maintains biodiversity increases crop yields. Ethiopia one top ten beeswax producers in world, but plays only minor role international trade. Unlike large-scale beekeepers using modern techniques found most leading honey-producing countries, majority Ethiopian are small-scale practicing traditional beekeeping. In this article, we summarize knowledge on beekeeping, bees, pests, marketing strategies, cultural aspects major challenges Furthermore, used FAOSTAT data calculate pollination gap order draw attention stakeholders decision-makers bees their importance development. regard forage, compiled 590 forage plants flowering times as supplement article. This review outlines following points: (1) mainly domestic market; (2) Equipment beekeeping easily accessible brings disadvantages (gender gap, limitations management lower yield), while transitional systems certain skills higher costs; (3) Colony numbers increased by 72% from 1993 2018 areas needing 150%; (4) Honey yield per number beehives managed area bee-pollinated crops 20% 28%, respectively; (5) Pesticide use has been increasing there lack pesticide education. Recommendations realize Ethiopia’s tremendous apicultural potential discussed.