Improved beekeeping technology in Southwestern Ethiopia: Focus on beekeepers' perception, adoption rate, and adoption determinants.

Beekeeping is one of the most important sectors that contribute to the improvement of the livelihoods of people in many countries. A cross-sectional study was carried out in southwestern Ethiopia to determine the adoption rate, determinate factors, and community perception of improved beekeeping technologies. A multistage random sampling method was conducted to select study districts. A total of 180 beekeepers were interviewed for this study with a proportional random sampling method from adopters and non-adopters of technologies. From a total of 180 beekeepers, 61 (33.9%) and 119 (66.1%) were adopters and non-adopters, respectively. The majority of respondents stated that high yield, ease for inspection, and quality of honey are the main advantages, while high cost, the need for high skill, and access to technology are the major detriments to the adoption of improved beekeeping technology. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age (OR = 1.3), an education level (OR = 13.3), awareness of technology (OR = 7.3), visited demonstration site (OR = 21.2), participated in field day (OR = 26.8), marketing problem (OR = 6.2) and access to credit (OR = 4.2) as the determinant factors (P < 0.05) for improved beekeeping technology. Diseases and pests of the honeybee, lack of beekeeping equipment, and credit were the major constraints of improved beekeeping technology that lead bee colony to abscond and reduce honey yield. Hence, it is important to design appropriate control methods for honeybee diseases and pests. Moreover, the beekeepers should get access to beekeeping materials and credit service, and adequate training should be provided to them. Further investigation should be conducted on factors influencing the use of improved beekeeping technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]