Abstract

The Ethiopian farmers have been engaging in beekeeping as a sideline activity since 3500 to 3000 BC over centuries; it is presumed that beekeepers have developed indigenous knowledge through their accumulated experiences, which is valuable resource for development. The study was undertaken to identify, record and document the indigenous knowledge of the beekeepers and it was conducted in Central Ethiopia by selecting nine districts. Accordingly, some of indigenous technical knowledge of farmer beekeepers are: Type of hives and construction materials used, different honeybee management techniques like traditional honey season identification, traditional swarm catching and attractant methods, swarm control methods, traditional honeybee enemies’ protection methods, traditional methods of stinging protection and reduction of pain and others were identified and documented. In net shell, the beekeepers have plenty of appreciable indigenous knowledge. Hence, the researchers can verify and integrate the collected beekeepers indigenous knowledge into mainstream knowledge development and management.

Key words:  Apiarist, beekeeping practices, honeybee, Ethiopian farmers.