For over 30 years, Ethiopia’s Majang and Kaffa districts have faced the dual threats of deforestation and environmental degradation, placing both biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods at risk. To combat these challenges, the South West Charitable Organization (SWCO), with the support of the Business Incubator and Accelerator (BIA) for Mountains and Islands program, has launched an innovative project that connects organic coffee and honey production with climate action, environmental conservation, and social impact.
Majang honey products (organic) and bi products (wax products)
Driving Eco-friendly Practices In Agriculture
Small-scale farmers under SWCO are adopting biodiversity-supporting agricultural methods such as agroecological methods that enhance carbon sequestration, preserve biodiversity, and maintain ecosystem services that are vital for climate resilience. This strengthens community resilience and reduces reliance on harmful farming practices. By incorporating these approaches, the SWCO project is helping reverse deforestation trends and ensuring the long-term health of Ethiopia’s ecosystems.
Majang honey products (organic) and bi products (wax products)
Empowering Local Communities Through Business Development
As part of the BIA program, SWCO receives tailored support from their Yunus Environment Hub coach, Yitbarek Tegegne. This support has equipped them to train a total of 352 farmers, of which 193 are women, 89 youth and 5 with disabilities on key topics such as securing business licenses, navigating certification processes, and understanding legal requirements. SWCO is also trained in helping farmers obtain essential documents like tax identification numbers and commercial registration certificates, which are critical for their growth and operations
Additionally, the coaching helps SWCO understand the steps involved in obtaining organic, quality, and safety certifications. Majang honey obtained organic certification This guidance facilitates discussions around expanding into new markets, both locally and internationally. By focusing on the requirements and best practices for certification, SWCO can help improve production methods, increase market access, and create more profitable opportunities for the farmers they support, all while adhering to environmental and safety standards.
Social and Environmental Impact
Beyond environmental conservation, the project drives significant social impact by engaging marginalized groups, especially women and youth farmers. By equipping them with proper tools for honey production and organic coffee farming techniques, the initiative creates new income opportunities while promoting gender equality.
This dual focus on environmental sustainability and social inclusion ensures that local communities can thrive economically while protecting their ecosystems. The project incentivizes conservation efforts and strengthens the resilience of indigenous communities who rely on forest resources for their livelihoods.
The market officer from South West Chartable Organization displaying products and bi products of honey
Strengthening Value Chains
In the final coaching phase, SWCO focused on enhancing the value chains of coffee and honey farmers in the Keffa and Majang areas, with particular emphasis on marketing, licensing, value chain optimization, and access to finance. By leveraging learnings from BIA, farmers supported by SWCO successfully accessed central markets in Addis Ababa and formed strategic partnerships, including with Emebet Commercial Beekeeping Enterprise to streamline logistics and improve distribution.
Looking ahead, SWCO is well-positioned to leverage the growing global demand for organic honey, with the market projected to expand by 10.5% annually until 2028. By expanding its membership SWCO will increase collective bargaining power for farmers, enhance their income opportunities and ensure long-term sustainability.
The Business Incubator and Accelerator (BIA) for Mountains and Islands, a program developed by the Mountain Partnership Secretariat and the Global Environment Fund Small Grants Programme in collaboration with UNDP.
Learn more here BIA program for Mountains & Islands – Yunus Environment Hub