Abstract

Participatory evaluation of Queen Rearing using splitting technique (SQRT) at Ginnir District of Bale Zone, South-eastern Ethiopia was conducted from 2013 to 2014. Two Beekeepers Research Group (BRG) each having 10 beekeepers were established at two sites, Ebisa and Kebena. Beekeepers were purposively selected based on their willingness, having bee colonies, indigenous knowledge of handling honeybee and trained on colony selection, honeybee biology, management, and health, procedure of queen rearing in the first phase and on spot practical queen rearing in the second training phase. Two Development Agents and three livestock experts participated in training. Evaluation of queen rearing was carried out at back yard of seven volunteer beekeepers (four at Ebisa and three at Kebena sites). About 85.71% of the multiplied established their selves and performed well. Average honey yield of 14.29 kg and 16.99 kg was obtained from daughter (new) and maternal colonies respectively. The beekeepers expressed that the technology is simple to operate, assist to generate additional income. This indicates that the technology got acceptance by farmers. Thus scaling up of this technology is paramount important.  

Key words: Participatory, honeybee colony, splitting, demonstration, queen rearing.