A survey of the ethnozoological knowledge of honey bees Apis mellifera in Ijebu division of south western Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of the ethnozoological knowledge of honey bee Apis mellifera in Ijebu division of South western Nigeria was carried out to examine the pattern of invasion, control methods of their invasion and their effects in life and economy of the people which also include the medicinal and traditional utilization. The Survey was carried out between July and October 2002. 180 questionnaires were administered among the rural based farmers, herbalists, Alfa\'s, pastors and some literates. The results of the study revealed that the majority of interviewees mentioned using fire, i.e., burning method as the most effective method of controlling bee invasion. Also, 94.4% of the people reported that spraying insecticides is also effective respectively. In addition, honeys are useful item for ritual purposes as well as essential material for curing ailments. (Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems: 2002 2(2): 75-90)