Lack of bee plants in parts of Amhara State is causing honey yields to fall and reducing the incomes of beekeepers. Deforestation and unwise use of herbicides have reduced the food sources available to honey bees. Beekeepers identified this lack of bee forage as a major problem, and their (already vulnerable) livelihoods are seriously under threat as they rely heavily on honey bees for income.

Working with a local partner NGO in Amhara State and the beekeeping community in the Meket District, we will establish a bee plant nursery. This will be a source of trees and herbaceous plants for bees and also a training and education hub for creating awareness about protecting the environment for bees. Indigenous plant species will be propagated and beekeepers will be advised how best to incorporate these plants into their agricultural plots, as well as establishing community bee reserves.