IMPACT OF MODERN BEEKEEPING PRACTICE ON THE HOUSEHOLD`S INCOME: THE CASE OF WONCHI DISTRICT OF OROMIA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Modern beekeeping development is considered as a potential area to enhance the income of smallholder farmers by the Ethiopian government. To this end, special emphasis has been given to research and extension activities on the modern beekeeping practice at different scales. However, scientific evidences on participation, it`s utilization and its impact on the household income in Wonchi district were not documented. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the factors that determine the household`s participation in modern beekeeping and evaluate the impact of participation in modern beekeeping on the household`s income in the district. The two-stage sampling technique was used to select 167 target respondents and Cochran (1977) formula is used to determine the sample size. Primary data were collected by using an interview schedule, conducting focus group discussions, and key informants interview. Double hurdle model was employed to identify the determinants of participation and intensity of participation in the modern beekeeping while propensity score matching technique was used to quantify the impact. The result revealed that sex, land size, number of honey bee colony with traditional hive, access to extension services, number of livestock owned, market distance and income of the household head significantly determine the participation decision in modern beekeeping practice. The analysis from truncated part of the double hurdle model shows that access to modern beekeeping training, main road distance from the apiary site, access to modern bee equipment and access to credit significantly determine the intensity of participation in modern beekeeping. The propensity score matching result showed that participation in modern beekeeping had a significant positive effect (9245 ETB) on the household`s income and increased the income of the household by 9245 Birr. Some constraints and opportunities of modern beekeeping have been identified in this study in the district. To solve the problems and improve the participation in modern beekeeping practice, the government and nongovernment organizations, especially district`s livestock and fishery development office should attempt to hamper factors that hinder participation in the modern beekeeping practice and enhance factors that initiate participation in the modern beekeeping practice identified in the study area.