Ethiopia’s honeybee industry struggles to recover after Tigray conflict: Video
In a small village near Mekele, the capital of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, beekeeper Amanuel Hiluf has returned to his hives after a devastating two-year conflict.
Known for its prized creamy white honey, Tigray’s honey production was heavily disrupted by the 2020 war between federal forces and Tigrayan rebels, forcing Hiluf and many others to flee.
While a peace deal was signed in 2022, the impact of the conflict remains evident in the region’s beekeeping industry. "The deforestation during the war has reduced bee production," Hiluf explained to the AFP, noting that the loss of trees and flowers has strained honey yields.
Shopkeepers also report challenges. "We receive only a small amount of honey, and the price has surged to 1,500 ETB for white honey,” said local shop owner Birhanu Araya. With fewer bees available, demand far exceeds supply, impacting prices and livelihoods.
According to apiculture researcher Goshu Welealeabzgi, an estimated 40 to 60% of Tigray’s bee colonies were destroyed during the war, dealing a severe blow to the region’s apiculture sector.
“The sounds of bullets may have stopped,” said Hiluf, “but the sound of misery remains, as there is still no justice.”
