Birhan Desta used to provide for her family of six through her small business of making and selling a local beverage in Tigray, Ethiopia. When conflict broke out in 2020, the family was forced to flee for their lives, leaving their home and livelihood behind.

Upon their eventual return, Birhan found that her home had been ransacked and all her supplies looted. The family was left with no means of earning. They were able to obtain some food relief, but Birhan was anxious to restart her own livelihood. “I am here to work for myself, not to passively wait for someone to provide me food,” she said.

Tigray is known for white honey and Birhan had always been interested in beekeeping. Our partner, LWF Ethiopia, provided conflict-affected households with beekeeping training and beehive facilities as a means of earning income. “Now I am confident that I have some skills to shape my future,” Birhan said. “Beekeeping doesn’t demand much space, what it needs is continuous follow-up, which I am trained for.”

We’re inspired by Birhan’s determination and drive, but none of this would have been possible without your partnership. Thank you!

Photo caption: Birhan sitting in front of her bee boxes. (Photo: Danial Zemchal/LWF)