This training was planned to be delivered in this time because November to end of December is active flowering months in which large honey is expected to be produced if bee colonies are scientifically managed especially in improved hives. It is known that most NGOs, livestock offices and our University has been distributing modern hives majority of which are not productive mainly due to lack of operational skills. It is based on this, that OBU in collaboration with West Hararghe Zone Livestock office has selected 30 beekeeper farmers and Zonal and Woreda Experts from Gemechis and Chiro woredas and delivered the training. The training delivery technique includes theoretical, improved beekeeping equipments demonstration, Apiary/on farm hive operation and developed country’s commercial honey production system video shows. The trainees was highly technically empowered and motivated on improved hive operation and honey production technology that could boost honey productivity of the zone and diversify income for the producers. OBU shall keep doing with such work for betterments of its community’s life.

The research and community service provided the training in collaboration with College of Agriculture that lasted from Nov.10–12/2021 at OBU hall where as 30 model bee keepers from Chiro and Gemmechis woredas have actively participated.

The main objective of the training is raising up bee keeper’s awareness how to collect high amount of honey production and other products that the hive produces as well as producing bees for sale for another person by using modern hive that are kept in the safest apiary or ~bee yard~.

The training also supposed to enable bee keepers increase bee and honey production and productivity by using modern hive technological advancements.

Sisay Lema (Assistant Professor) dean of college of agriculture, in his opening speech said that Oda-Bultum, in addition to producing qualified graduates in different disciplines, works tirelessly to address scientific based agricultural support in various aspects to the local communities so as to earn a better life.

On the occasion, the dean also stated that the training would help bee keepers to shift their ways of life from subsistence to surplus supplier at national and international market to generate incomes from high yield of honey by using modern bee keeping techniques and hives.

On the other side the trainees said that such a training would help them to improve their life by filling observed skill gap. And they requested, in the future, such a type of continuous training would provide knowledge that change the life of the community better.

Compiled by: – Public and International relations

Nov.11/2021