Determinants of box hive technology adoption in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State western Ethiopia

Abstract

Beekeeping is among the most common enterprises practiced in the Benishangul Gumuz region. But, honey production is still traditional where beehives are placed on trees and harvesting honey is done by destroying the colony. So, this study was conducted to determine factors affecting the adoption of box hive technology in the region. Both primary and secondary data sources were utilized. Data were collected from 165 randomly selected beekeepers from nine peasant associations (PAs). Descriptive statistical analysis and an econometric model were employed to identify the factors affecting the adoption of box hive technology. The results revealed that the gender of the beekeepers, level of education, total land, livestock ownership, number of the traditional colony, location, awareness of beekeeping practices, and contact with extension agents were the major factors influencing box hive adoption. The results further indicate that there was high gender bias towards male beekeepers, unlike their counterparts. Therefore, all stakeholders along the extension system should work on promotion, training, designing improved packages of beekeeping practices, and building the capacity of beekeepers to improve the dissemination and adoption level of the beekeepers. Finally, stakeholders engaged in the research and development consortium should work together to improve the extension services thereby providing information and innovation to the beekeepers, extension agents, and experts.