People and Bees in Ethiopia

Bees are amazing - they pollinate crops, produce honey and beeswax and also create an economic reason for conserving trees. Plus, they don't need feeding and watering on a daily basis. But keeping bees is not always easy. In Ethiopia we are working hard to help youngsters get started from scratch. That means making a beehive, acquiring bees, taking care of them and then harvesting and selling honey. For a non-beekeeper each of these tasks involves something new - and can be daunting - especially considering that each beehive comprises several thousand stinging insects! This is why we are linking beginners to mentors - more experienced beekeepers who are right there in the community. They are on hand to give advice and help as needed.

Abata is a new beekeeper and her mentor Mr. Abebo recently helped her catch a swarm - so she now has two colonies. She has no land or assets of her own as her recent marriage failed and she is on her own. She is looking forward to her first honey harvest - she will use the money she earns to buy seeds and start a vegetable garden. The bees will pollinate her vegetables too.

We thank all our donors and supporters for helping people like Abata become self-reliant, giving her a future.