The Smallholder Apiculture Development: Bee Products Trade Promotion Programme was born out of more than a decade of experience in Meket Woreda, Amhara Regional State, in developing technologies and participatory approaches to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.The programme promoted the production of high quality bee and wax products, as well as the linkages of small producers to domestic and international markets.The project organized and legally registered six beekeeper cooperatives, and one union was created and linked to credit facilities. Top-Bar hive technology were adapted for these coooperatives, which in turn dramatically improved honey production by reducing harvesting time and by increasing the quantity of honey traditionally produced (5-8 kg per hive) to 30-40 kg per hive.
High quality processing, packaging and transportation techniques have added value the the honey products, and the marketing cooperatives are proud owners of the Amar organic honey brand. Market surveys have shown there is a promising opportunity for Amar honey to become a valuable international export.