Transforming lives through beekeeping and aloe vera projects in Ethiopia

Transforming lives through beekeeping and aloe vera projects in Ethiopia




In Ethiopia’s Borena and Bale zones, pastoralist communities have long faced the harsh realities of recurring droughts, limited economic opportunities, and the growing impact of climate change. These arid and semi-arid areas are home to over 2.4 million people, most of whom rely on rearing livestock for food and income. But as droughts become more frequent and severe, these traditional livelihoods are increasingly under threat.

To address these challenges, HelpAge partnered with local NGOs SOS Sahel and Rift Valley Children and Disability Organisation (RCWDO) to launch a project aimed at building more sustainable and inclusive livelihoods. With funding from BMZ (Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), the project “Everyone Deserves the Chance for a Secure Future – Promoting Inclusive and Forward-Looking Agriculture” is helping vulnerable communities generate income through beekeeping and aloe vera soap production.



It’s a breakthrough for the aloe vera and beekeeping beneficiaries. They’ve gained knowledge and skills to generate income beyond cattle, which has often been unreliable due to recurring droughts.Dereje Hailemariam, Head of Humanitarian Programmes at HelpAge Ethiopia

Beekeeping: from tradition to opportunity

Beekeeping has deep roots in Ethiopian culture, especially in the East Bale zone, where traditional hives made from local materials are hung high in trees to harvest honey. While the honey is organic and can be highly valued, traditional methods often result in low yields and limit production to a short season.

The HelpAge project introduced modern beekeeping techniques to revitalise this practice. A total of 625 beekeepers, most of them women, were organised into 25 local associations. They received training, modern hives, productive honeybee species, and protective gear. This support has enabled families to sell honey consistently at local markets, providing a stable income stream even during drought periods.

The aim now is to turn honey production into a year-round sustainable activity—helping families build more secure and resilient livelihoods.
Aloe vera: harvesting nature’s healing touch

In Borena, aloe vera grows naturally and has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, fencing, and skincare. Recognising a growing market for aloe vera soap, HelpAge introduced a project to scale up and modernise local production.

While many cooperatives had previously attempted to produce aloe vera soap, they often struggled due to rising costs, limited training, and lack of access to water and markets. The project responded by training over 700 women in 13 women-led cooperatives on how to cultivate, process, and package aloe vera for soap-making. They also received raw materials like caustic soda and vegetable oil, along with modern mixing equipment.

Crucially, HelpAge’s partner, SOS Sahel, worked with local government offices to enable the cooperatives to buy farmland dedicated to aloe vera cultivation, ensuring a steady supply of the plant and giving them greater self-reliance.

Today, these women are not only producing and selling aloe vera soap locally but have also started small businesses and opened shops—creating a ripple effect across their communities.
Creating lasting change

The project has already directly benefited 2,075 pastoralist families—reaching around 10,375 people—with many more indirectly benefitting. In Borena alone, 1,500 families are engaged in aloe vera activities, while 575 families in East Bale are involved in beekeeping. Altogether, more than 7,000 households have been empowered to cope better with climate shocks and invest in more sustainable futures.

Over time, as local markets grow and more small businesses emerge, the project could positively impact up to 100,000 people—from producers to retailers and local consumers.
A model for inclusive development

This initiative shows how forward-looking, inclusive agriculture can help vulnerable communities not just survive, but thrive. It highlights the power of local partnerships, women’s leadership, and sustainable practices in driving long-term economic change.

With continued support and collaboration, the people of Borena and Bale are building a future that’s more secure, more equitable—and within their own control.