ETHIOPIA 
IS ONE OF THE LARGEST PRODUCERS OF HONEY IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD.
IS ONE OF THE LARGEST PRODUCERS OF HONEY IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD.It produces approximately 55,300 tonnes per year, while the country has the potential to produce up to 500,000 tonnes of honey. According to Helgi Library Ethiopia is ranked the second largest beeswax producer in the world after INDIA 
Ethiopiaโs honey is known for its desirable qualities such as low moisture content and a variety of natural & delicious flavors. Ethiopiais also the continent’s leading producer and exporter of beeswax and honey. The country has approximately 7 million bee colonies. Generally beekeeping is an old agricultural practice in Ethiopia.
About one million households are involved in honeybee’s business. It is promising off-farm enterprise, which contributes to country’s economy.
Ethiopia is one of the largest producers of honey in Africa and the world due to a combination of factors that include traditional practices, favorable environmental conditions, and a deep cultural heritage related to beekeeping. Hereโs how Ethiopia excels in honey production:
1. Favorable Climate and Diverse Flora
- Ethiopia’s diverse agro-ecological zones, ranging from lowlands to highlands, provide an ideal environment for beekeeping. The country has a wide variety of flowering plants, which are critical for honey production. This biodiversity allows bees to produce different types of honey with unique flavors and qualities.
2. Traditional Beekeeping Practices
- Ethiopia has a long history of traditional beekeeping, often using log hives placed in trees. These traditional methods are passed down through generations and are well-adapted to the local environment. The country has millions of beekeepers, many of whom use these time-tested practices to produce honey.
3. Large Population of Indigenous Bee Species
- Ethiopia is home to a large population of Apis mellifera, commonly known as the Western honeybee. These indigenous bees are well-adapted to the local environment and play a significant role in honey production.
4. Cultural Significance of Honey
- Honey holds a significant place in Ethiopian culture, being used in various religious, medicinal, and culinary practices. This cultural importance drives widespread engagement in beekeeping.
5. Government Support and Training Programs
- The Ethiopian government, along with various NGOs, has been supporting beekeeping through training programs, improving access to modern beekeeping equipment, and promoting better techniques. This support has helped increase the productivity and quality of honey.
6. Organic and Natural Production Methods
- Much of the honey produced in Ethiopia is organic due to the minimal use of chemicals in farming and beekeeping. This adds value to the honey, making it highly sought after in both local and international markets.
7. Growing Export Market
- Ethiopia has been expanding its honey exports, particularly to Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. The demand for Ethiopian honey, known for its organic and unique qualities, has been increasing, providing incentives for further production.
8. Integration with Other Agricultural Practices
- Many Ethiopian farmers integrate beekeeping with other agricultural activities, such as coffee and crop farming, which helps in pollination and increases overall farm productivity. This integration supports sustainable agricultural practices and enhances food security.
These factors combined make Ethiopia a powerhouse in honey production, not only within Africa but also on the global stage.
Ethiopia’s honey export figures have been showing steady growth, though the country still exports only a fraction of its total honey production. The majority of Ethiopian honey is consumed domestically due to high local demand, especially for traditional beverages like “tej” (a honey wine). However, the export market has been expanding, particularly to Europe and the Middle East.
Key Export Figures and Trends:
- Export Volume:
- Ethiopia produces an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 tons of honey annually. Of this, only about 5-10% is exported, amounting to roughly 4,000 to 6,000 tons per year in recent years.
- Export Value:
- The value of Ethiopian honey exports has been growing, reaching approximately $10 to $12 million annually in recent years.
- Major Export Markets:
- Europe: Germany, Norway, and the UK are some of the largest importers of Ethiopian honey.
- Middle East: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are key markets.
- United States: Ethiopian honey is gaining popularity, especially in niche markets that value organic and fair-trade products.
- Honey Types:
- The most exported honey varieties are white honey from the Tigray region and forest honey from the southwestern parts of Ethiopia. These types are highly valued in international markets for their unique taste and organic nature.
- Challenges:
- Despite the growth, Ethiopian honey exports face challenges like stringent international quality standards, competition from other honey-producing countries, and logistical issues. However, efforts are being made to improve processing and packaging to meet international standards.
Recent Trends:
- Ethiopia has been working on increasing its share of the global honey market by improving quality, enhancing production methods, and expanding its export reach. The country has the potential to become a much larger player in the global honey market if it can overcome these challenges and scale its export operations.
These figures highlight the significant role honey plays in Ethiopia’s agricultural exports, with substantial room for growth in the international market.