From the forest to the backyard: creating inclusive honey production systems

About the partnership

Ethiopia

Animal Production Related

Status:

Active

By working on a radical change in the production of honey, this partnership will encourage women and youth to be engaged in the honey value chain. Shifting part of honey production from the forest to backyard farming will significantly increase the number of women and youth involved in honey production, processing, distribution, and retail. When this honey is produced effectively, it opens up opportunities for lower cost prices, unlocking the opportunity to sell more honey and related products to local and urban BoP consumers residing in the major urban areas of the country.

About the business champion

Bench Maji Coffee, Spice and Honey Farmers’ Cooperatives Union is a farmers union that was established in July 2005 in South West Ethiopia. Of the total 64 member primary cooperatives currently functioning, 34 are engaged in honey production.

Key interventions

Promote backyard honey production system through model farmers & demonstrations

Facilitate market linkages with consumer associations & retailers in (peri)urban markets to reach BoP consumers

Strengthen capacities of the union to provide necessary inputs & training to farmers and to improve processing

Building the capacity of the union to provide professional extension and quality marketing services

Train and coach farmers (mainly female) on improved honey production techniques