This campaign has now closed

Bees for Development runs projects to help people in Amhara, Ethiopia. A growing problem is the use of harmful pesticides. Beekeepers find dead bees and emptying hives when pesticides are sprayed nearby. This affects livelihoods and exacerbates poverty. We will establish proven ways of dealing with crop pests that are less harmful to people and bees.

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Categories

  • Environment/Conservation Environment/​Conservation
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Poverty Alleviation/Relief Poverty Alleviation/​Relief
  • Beneficiaries

    • General Public/Humankind General Public/​Humankind
    • Other Other

    Situation

    Beekeepers report that their bees are dying, affecting their livelihoods. The problem is agrochemicals, especially malathion application on Lathyrus sativa (grass pea). Pesticide use is haphazard and farmers do not follow guidelines. Where sprays are used, beekeepers see dead bees near hives and 'exposed combs': a sign of fewer bees in the hive. Other insect pollinators are also affected. Beekeepers do not know how to address the problem.

    Solution

    We will solve the problem by working with our partner Bees for Development Ethiopia to introduce alternative methods to using pesticides. We will deliver training in Integrated Pest Management and test out the use of food sprays as an alternative to Malathion. These attract aphids' natural enemies and are a proven pest control method used elsewhere in Ethiopia. We will train and inform government extension workers, farmers and pesticide sellers.

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    100%
    Categories

  • Environment/Conservation Environment/​Conservation
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Poverty Alleviation/Relief Poverty Alleviation/​Relief
  • Beneficiaries

    • General Public/Humankind General Public/​Humankind
    • Other Other