The poorest people in Amhara are being left behind. Illiteracy, lack of land, lack of assets and social marginalisation leave some families trapped in chronic poverty. The poorest require help to develop diverse, sustainable and successful livelihoods. The people finding it hardest to escape from poverty are women, especially those without husbands, young people (especially girls), landless people, families without assets, and people with disabilities.

We will address the challenge of chronic poverty among the most disadvantaged groups by helping people to get bees, establish apiaries, and develop small-scale, profitable beekeeping enterprises. They will be able to sell honey and beeswax to earn much-needed income. Honey is in high demand in Amhara. Beekeeping is accessible to people living in poverty because it requires relatively little land and labour - so can be a practical and achievable addition to their existing activities.