Factors Affecting Honey Marketed Surplus of Beekeepers in Gera District of Oromia State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The authors received no direct funding for this research. Abstract Ethiopia has huge potential for beekeeping because of its endowment with diversity in climate and vegetation resources that potentially favor beekeeping. The gap in honey marketing is the main problem though Gera district is known for its high production of honey. Thus, this research attempted to analyze determinants of honey marketed surplus in Gera district of Oromia regional state. Multi stage sampling procedure was employed to draw sample of 139 honey producers. Descriptive statistics was used for characterizing farmers and econometrics analysis was used for identifying factors affecting honey marketed surplus. The two-stage least square regression model results showed that quantity of honey produced, family size, type of beehive used, beekeeping experience, distance to nearest market, frequency of extension contact and sex of the house hold head significantly affected honey marketed surplus. The study findings suggest that improving the input supply system, improving beekeeper’s knowledge, encouraging adult education, improving production of honey, expanding accessibility of market infrastructure and strengthening supportive institutions.