Honey production is a major source of income for Ethiopia's subsistence farmers - but they are facing a modern disaster. They are losing their bees to pesticides. Chemicals used on vegetable and pulse crops are highly toxic to bees and other pollinators. Reasons include lack of knowledge about the options - from both farmers and government advisers. The problem we are solving is unintended negative impact on bees and beekeepers of using pesticides - exacerbating poverty and biodiversity loss.

We will enable adoption of agroecological farming techniques, developed through previous work in project location. Methods include growing habitat for natural enemies of crop pests, applying 'food sprays' to attract natural enemies and using botanical extracts to deter pests. These nature-based methods are affordable, proven, safe for people and bees and allow farming and beekeeping to be done side-by-side. Working with local partners & government we will enable farmers to reduce pesticide use.