Ethiopia is renowned for its rich biodiversity and favorable climatic conditions, making it an ideal destination for apiculture. The honeybee is an important fruit and vegetable pollinator and a producer of honey and other hive products. Beekeeping is a sustainable and high-potential activity for local communities and especially for the rural poor to gain additional income through non-timber forest products, does not require much land or
high starting costs, maintains biodiversity and increases crop yields.

Ethiopia is one of the top ten honey and beeswax producers in the world but plays only a minor role in the international honey trade. Beekeeping has a long history in Ethiopia, with traditional practices passed down through generations. Today, the country is emerging as a significant player in the global honey market, offering unique and high-quality honey products. Unlike large-scale beekeepers using modern techniques found in most leading honey-producing countries, the majority of Ethiopian beekeepers are small-scale producers practicing traditional beekeeping.