Abstract:
The study was conducted in four selected kebeles of Dangila district, Amhara region, Ethiopia. The
objective of the study was to assess the production practices and evaluate the effect of crude beeswax
sources and extraction techniques on yield and quality of beeswax in Dangila district. This research
was conducted through field survey and laboratory analysis. For the household field survey a total of
138 farmer beekeepers were selected from four kebeles purposively. Simple random sampling
technique was used to select sample respondents from the total beekeeper households in the selected
Kebeles with the help of beekeeping development expert of Dangila district. Crude beeswax “sefef”
samples were collected from private honey processor, cooperative and individual beekeepers. In
addition, old combs were collected from individual kebele beekeepers. Solar and hot water boiling
extraction techniques were used to compare beeswax yield and beeswax quality. Laboratory
diagnosis was conducted following the standard protocols of the Ethiopian Beeswax specification
ET-1203-2005. Most (87%) beekeepers in the study area are not familiar to harvest beeswax at all.
Through the field survey, it was understood that producers have little knowledge on the importance
and economic benefits of beeswax, its quality and marketing aspects. Beeswax production practice of
respondent beekeepers in the study area was about 434.7 to 540.8kg. The study showed, there is no
formal beeswax market and linkage was created. The laboratory result showed that the
compositional content of beeswax collected from the study areas fulfill the range of good quality
parameters set for national and world standards. The overall mean values for each beeswax quality
parameters: melting point (62.110.1
0
c), ash content (0.080.04%), total volatile matter
(0.27590.21019%), acid value (19.44180.9840), saponification value (99.33751), ester value
(79.991.40128), fats, fatty acids (passed) have fulfilled national and international beeswax quality
standards. However, there were significance differences between sample sources and extraction
techniques on beeswax yield and quality. The present study revealed that hot water extraction
technique produces relatively high yield but low quality than solar .Beeswax from individual
beekeepers and hot water extraction technique show relatively low efficiency of quality than private
and solar extraction technique, respectively. Hence, beekeepers should be supported by practical
training on beeswax collection, extraction, storage and marketing. Furthermore, quality checkup and
control must be taken.