Ethiopia’s Buzzing Beekeeping Sector Seeks Global Market

Ethiopia’s honey production soared to 98,000 tonnes this year, a surge credited to the ‘Bounty of the Basket’ program, according to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

About two million families in the country keep bees. Launched a year ago, the program aims to lift farm output.

Compared to last year, the new figure is almost double. Last year, the yield was just 52,000 tonnes.

The goal for the next year is to double this amount again. Ethiopia has the largest number of bee colonies in Africa.

Ethiopia leads in global honey and beeswax production, yet still has room to grow.

Experts estimate it could generate 500,000 tonnes of honey and 50,000 tonnes of beeswax annually.

The nation employs three beekeeping styles: traditional, transitional, and advanced. With over 10 million bee colonies, up to 7.5 million live in hives while the rest are wild.

Though resources are plentiful, challenges exist. These include lack of training, bee diseases, and costly equipment.

Also, wrong use of pesticides holds back optimal output. Cooperation between the government and other groups is vital to tackle these issues.

Background

Ethiopia has a long history of beekeeping, tracing back to ancient times. Honey has both cultural and economic importance in the country.

The nation is home to diverse flora, making it a perfect place for beekeeping. Yet, it was only recently that modern methods began to gain ground.

Experts say the ‘Bounty of the Basket’ initiative is a turning point. It introduces modern techniques to traditional beekeepers.

This not only boosts output but also improves the quality of honey. Consequently, this could open doors for export, bringing in foreign revenue.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Many areas still rely on outdated methods, which limit productivity.

This is where the government’s training and resource programs can play a big role.

By addressing these bottlenecks, Ethiopia can fully tap into its beekeeping potential, benefiting both the economy and the beekeepers.

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