Tick infestations on Zebu cattle in western Kenya: quantitative assessment of host resistance.

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

The Untold Stories of African Agriculture: Lessons from Ethiopia

Publication Date

8-4-2024

Abstract

This chapter explores the status of apiculture research and development in Ethiopia. With more than six million hives, the country ranks first in Africa and fifth in the world. About 95% of beehives in smallholder apiaries are traditional. The national average honey yield (2015-2019) is 9 kg/colony compared to the world average of 23 kg/colony. Even though the external parasitic mite Varroa destructor that is devastating colonies of the Euro¬pean honeybee in North America and Europe has been recorded in parts of Ethiopia, it is unlikely to be the major factor for the poor performance here where a different subspecies that is tolerant to the mite is raised. The most likely major factors could include loss of abundance and diversity of flowers. The importance of honeybees in crop pollination has been overlooked so far in Ethiopia and there is a strong need to quantify it and create awareness.

ISBN

[9781800626379, 9781800626362]

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