Factors affecting honey production in south east Kenya Rangelands: a case study of Kibwezi Division, Makueni District

Abstract

A study on factors affecting honey production and indigenous knowledge of the Kibwezi Communities in honey production was conducted using formal and informal interviews by questionnaires between January and Sepicmber, 199). Honey plants were determined using pollen analysis, field observation and indigenous knowledge. Botanical composition of trees and shrubs in unsettled University of Nairobi site and adjacent settled area was determined and data ana lysed for density: frequency: diversity. similarity and dissimilarity indices. Honeybee race separation was done using biometrical method by collection and analysis of samples during the same period. Several factors were found to affect honey production in the study area, major one being, land use conflict. Relationship between land size and number of colonies was found to be highly signi Iicant at (P<O 05). Indigenous bee management knowledge of the Kibwezi communities revealed that the local people are knowledgeable on all aspects of honey production, bee keeping management aspects ranging from hive making and placement honey harvesting and processing: classification of honey bee races. and the making of beekeeping equipments Honey was used as food, local brew. medicine, 111 SOCialfunctions and purification ceremonies, a me.r.s of trade in 3C,i1tion to cash source of income Raw honey combs were used in making of wax, local brew. medicine and also lor scenting new hives Pollen was used for making of local brew and as source of protein when eaten. Propolis was used for scenting new hives, repairing utensils and household goods. and as medicine. Bee brood was used as food and in making or local brew Pollen analysis. field observation and indigenous knowledge. showed that Kibwezi honey is multiflora! due to high species diversity in the region Atleast 32 plant families and 187 plant species were identified in the study area, of which 24 of them with 94 species were found to be invaluable in honey production. Three races of honeybee. notably Apis mellifera litorea. A. m. scutell ata and A. l71. monticota. with their dominance being in that order where found in the study area