In the wake of the devastating two-year war that ravaged Ethiopia’sTigray region from November 2020 to November 2024, thousands of farmers—particularly women—were left struggling to rebuild their lives. The scars of conflict ran deep, but resilience and hope remained. Recognizing the situation’s urgency, the Development Alliance (DA), in partnership with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), launched a project in May 2024. Funded by the Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Czech Development Cooperation, the initiative “Stabilization of selected war-affected areas in Tigray Region by ensuring food nutrition security for vulnerable population groups and creating employment opportunities for youth residences” aimed to restore food and nutrition security while creating employment opportunities for the region’s youth.
The project focused on two districts—Tsirae-Womberta and Enderta—and directly benefited over 300 families through diversified agricultural activities, including high-value fruit tree cultivation, vegetable farming, beekeeping, poultry rearing, and nursery establishment.
A Beekeeper’s story: The sweet taste of change
Hayelom Tsegaye with his beekeeping suit. Photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
For Hayelom Tsegaye, a young farmer from the Tsirae-Womberta district, beekeeping is more than just a livelihood—it is a tradition passed down through generations. He lives in Hayelom tabia (the smallest local administration) and has inherited the culture of traditional beekeeping from his parents. However, until recently, he relied solely on traditional beehives made from tree logs or cow-dung cylinders, limiting his honey yield. That changed in August 2024 when the project provided Hayelom with a modern beehive, a bee colony and other essential beekeeping tools. “We usually collect 5 kilos of honey at a time from a traditional beehive,” Hayelom said. “But, with the modern beehive, I get 20 kilos of honey in a single harvest—and I can harvest honey three times during the rainy season, yielding up to 60 kilos per hive.”Unlike traditional beehives, built from a wooden cylinder, modern beekeeping equipment has several frames, which increases honey production by four-fold and improves bee survival rate. When addressing the beekeeping suit provided by the project, the young beekeeper said, “Before, I had to drive all the bees out with smoke to extract the honey. Sometimes, they never returned. “Now, with the protective beekeeping suit, I only need to gently move them aside using a smoker. The bees stay in the hive, ensuring continued honey production.”
“I can safely harvest honey without harming the bees. Since they no longer sting, they live longer and continue producing honey, benefiting both them and me.”
Hayelom Tsegaye with his beekeeping suit. Photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
Financially, the difference is also significant. According to Hayelom, honey from a modern beehive sells for 1600 birr (~12.60 USD) per kilo—double that of honey from traditional hives, which often contains impurities.
Honey from Tigray is of high quality and is highly regarded and consequently, it is the most expensive in Ethiopia. With the new equipment, Hayelom now earns approximately 40,000 birr (~315 USD) annually from a single modern beehive.
Hayelom benefited from living in an area where the mountains are protected from human and livestock encroachments, fostering an environment rich in nectar-producing trees, shrubs and herbs. This natural abundance provides ample forage for his bees, enhancing honey production.
In contrast, in Arato tabia, Enderta district—where the same project was implemented— Girmay Berhe received a modern beehive in August 2024. However, his honey yield is slightly lower due to the region’s lower vegetation cover. Observing this, Girmay took the initiative to cultivate nectar-producing herbs in his yard, creating a more bee-friendly environment and improving his harvest. His proactive approach highlights the adaptability and resilience of local farmers as they work to optimise their resources.
The enclosed mountain found next to Hayelom’s house serves as a source of bee forage. Photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
Growing prosperity through agriculture
Hilfti Araya in her backyard farm. Photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
Beyond beekeeping, the project empowered local farmers with seeds and seedlings for highly nutritious and marketable crops. The farmers were provided with vegetable seed kits, high-value avocado and papaya trees, coffee and hops, a shrub whose leaves are used to make local beverages.
Kahsay Girmay, a vegetable farmer from Hayelom tabia, received tomato, onion, lettuce and carrot seeds. “The vegetables we produce are in high demand on the market,” Kahsay said. “We are also able to sell seeds for additional income.”
Harife Negash feeding her chicken. Photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
Hilfti Araya, from Arato, transformed her small backyard farm into a thriving ecosystem with hops, coffee, avocado and papaya trees. “These plants not only feed my family but also generate extra income to cover my expenses,” Hilfti noted.
Meanwhile, poultry farmers like Harife Negash and Ayisha Woreta received six-week-old chicks and chicken feed to kick-start their flocks. Despite initial challenges with feeding costs, Harife now generates income from selling eggs, which fetch a premium price compared to local varieties. “The eggs from these chickens sell for a higher price than those from local breeds, making this a worthwhile investment,” Harife explained.
Ayisha Woreta with her chickens and the eggs they laid. Photos by Gebrehiwot Hailemariam / CIFOR-ICRAF
Ayisha Woreta, 68, who lives in the Arato area, has also been raising the chickens provided by the project since July 2024. Her chickens recently began laying eggs, offering her a source of income. “Each egg sells for 13 to 14 birr (~USD 0.10 to 0.11),” Ayisha said. “I hope to cover my expenses through egg sales and even make a small profit.” In addition to economic benefits, the project has contributed to improved nutrition for all beneficiary farmers, who now have access to fresh vegetables, fruits, honey and eggs.
A model for sustainable development
The initiative has garnered praise from local authorities. “The project did an effective job in a short time, making a tangible difference in the lives of farmers,” said Almaz Woldu, Economic Sector Head of Enderta District. “We didn’t have the experience of having a vegetable plot in our backyard before, but now some farmers have established such plots. That is a lesson for us. It is also beneficial to grow fruit trees alongside vegetables. Many people couldn’t afford to buy a modern beehive, even if they knew the benefits of beekeeping. This project has made that possible.”
Almaz further noted, “We have learned the value of integrating fruit trees with vegetable farming and modern beekeeping. These techniques are not only profitable but also sustainable.”
lmaz Woldu, Economic Sector Head of Enderta District. photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
Portrait of Tiemti Wolday. Photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
Tiemti Wolday, a development agent working closely with the farmers, emphasized the importance of beekeeping., “All project activities are important, but I think those engaged in beekeeping can benefit more. The costs are minimal and the income from honey sales is substantial. Chickens require feed, and vegetables need water, fungicides and pesticides. I believe greater investment in beekeeping can significantly improve the lives of farmers.”
Alembirhan Harifeyo, Deputy Head of the Tigray Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources, praised the initiative. “It was a very small but very effective project. The multiplier effect is clear as farmer beneficiaries continue to reap its benefits. ”
After visiting the project sites, Blanka Krivankova, Managing Director of Development Alliance, remarked, “This project was designed as a humanitarian response—addressing immediate needs while equipping farmers to regain stability. With this foundation, a more development-focused project may follow. It is truly rewarding to see the farmers utilise what they have received to produce honey, vegetables, seeds, and eggs. Scaling up this approach with proper landscape management techniques would be ideal, but it depends on securing additional funding.”
Krivankova expressed her gratitude to the farmers for their dedication, as well as to regional and local government offices for their support.
Portrait of Blanka Krivankova, Managing Director of Development Alliance. Photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
Portrait of Almebirhan Harifeyo, Deputy Head of the Tigray Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Photo by Eyob Getahun / CIFOR-ICRAF
Gebrehiwot Hailemariam, project coordinator of CIFOR-ICRAF, said, “Within six months, the beneficiaries have successfully used their yields for both household consumption and income generation. This project has shown us and other stakeholders that meaningful results can be achieved in a short period when the right inputs are provided at the right time.” He also extended his appreciation to Blanka Krivankova for her commitment.
Abbadi Girmay, a former Director General of Tigray Agriculture Research Institute and now a lead researcher, lauded the initiative. “This project is like a six-month-old child—young but full of promise. It has supported women, children, and youth. We have learned invaluable lessons from it.”
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