Towards Resilient Beekeeping Practices in Tigray (Ethiopia): Combating the Impact of Honeybee Diseases and Pests and Climate Change

Duration

2 years

Lead institutions

Universiteit Gent

Tigray Agricultural Research Institute

Academic partners

Tesfay Atsbha

Project status

Ongoing

Programme

Total budget

69,999.22

Summary

In Tigray, Ethiopia, honeybees are vital for crop yields, biodiversity conservation through pollination, and supporting local beekeepers’ livelihoods. However, bees face increasing threats from viruses, including 5 known and 15 new insect-specific viruses identified in 2020 by Ghent University (UGent) and Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). The region’s vulnerability to climate change, along with the presence of Varroa mites, may further exacerbate these threats. Despite this, there is limited data on virus distribution, their impact on bee populations, and how climate change and beekeeping practices influence their transmission. This project aims to investigate virus dynamics, their association with Varroa mites, and their impact on bee productivity. It will also examine how climate change and beekeeping practices affect pathogen distribution, empower beekeepers with sustainable practices to improve bee health and productivity, and strengthen the UGent-TARI partnership.