Potential of Honey Production and its Utilization for Food Security in Filtu Woreda, Liben Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

摘要

Ethiopia is the largest and leading honey producer and bee colonies in Africa and tenth largest honey producer in the world. However, this products are not effectively leveled and utilized for food security. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the potential of honey production and its utilization for food security in Filtu Woreda, Liben Zone. Data was collected by a total of 180 households' (from nine kebeles) interviews using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics by the SPSS software. The survey results showed that there was huge amount of honey bee colonies (e.g. A. melifera) in the study area, but low potential of honey production due to extensive management systems were mainly practiced in the area (no extra food is provided for honey bee, etc.). From the analysis, the respondents were indicated that, 45% were agreed that honey is play a great role for dietary and food security of the producers and consumers and 14% were reflected honey as a medicinal value due to its organic nature and therapeutic effects. To conclude, production of honey is low, but it has direct contributions to the food security of the area.