Ethiopia has a rich tradition of beekeeping, and it
seems to me that the country is like a patchwork quilt of beekeeping traditions. There is a mixture of beekeeping practices that follow the
country’s diverse nectar sources and differences in geography. The local
beekeeping techniques also follow the differences in beekeeping experiences of
the farmers. Many rely upon the handed down techniques of traditional
beekeepers. Some have been exposed to trainers from outside the region who
introduced them to modern beekeeping methods. My experiences in Ethiopia found
me working in some areas with beekeepers who had been exposed to training based
upon bee biology. These individuals were comfortable with handling bees and
were anxious to hear of new ideas that they could apply. I suggested that they
should build Kenyan Top Bar Hives with standardized dimensions, like the one in
today’s photo that I borrowed from the local agricultural extension agent to
use in my training sessions in Amanuel. This top bar hive is built according to
measurements adopted by the Peace Corps. By using standardized top bars and
hive dimensions, the beekeepers can move combs from hive to hive. I explained
to them that they can remove the queen from an exceptionally defensive hive and
bring over a comb of very young brood selected from their best hive. With this
resource, the bees can produce a new queen with different genetic traits. The
farmers, well versed in selective cattle breeding, understood the concept of
selectively improving their bees.
I also worked in one area where the farmers had
received inaccurate information about bee biology and agriculture in general.
These farmers were fearful of the bees and highly reluctant to try my
suggestions, especially opening the hives in the daytime. They gave many
excuses for not doing this. Some said that they were too busy tending their
cattle or plowing in the daytime. I suggested that they train other family
members—women and children—to join in the beekeeping.
--Richard
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