World Vision’s development programs focus on long-term solutions to tackle food shortages and malnutrition. In Ethiopia, support for income generating activities such as bee farming is helping to address nutrition needs and enabling families to improve their livelihoods.

According to recent statistics, some 40 percent of Ethiopia’s population lives below the poverty line. This means that for millions of Ethiopians, the majority of whom are children, a day will pass by with a single meal or nothing at all.

Life had always been challenging for Merkebe and his family. Earning only a meagre annual income from the sale of firewood, he long struggled to adequately feed and clothe his family of seven.

“We had very little income,” recalls Merkebe. “I earned a little over half-a-dollar a day selling firewood, so you can imagine how hard I struggled to feed my family.”

In the past, Merkebe tried to raise additional income by producing honey using traditional beehives, but was largely unsuccessful.

But as part of World Vision’s work in his community, Merkebe received six modern beehives, bee farming accessories and training. Within a short period of time, his income increased by six times.

Not content with this success, Merkebe used some of his honey revenue to buy two cows. After an intensive breeding program he now has 12 cows, providing his family with ample milk to drink and sell for extra income.

For a family that once struggled to eat, the security of owning cattle is immense. Merkebe certainly rests a little easier. “The cattle are a very good asset and can be liquidated, should the worst come,” he says.

Merkebe’s family situation has improved enormously. What’s more, the whole district has benefited from the introduction of modern bee farming. “The beehives help fight food insecurity and they also mitigate the ever increasing deforestation in the district,” says Kefyalew Roba, a World Vision worker in the region.