14/12/2025
Digital Data management system
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Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with icipe, launched the National Apiculture Management Information System (APMIS) on December 12, 2025, at Adama Haile Resort. The newly introduced apiculture database is designed to transform Ethiopiaโs beekeeping sector by providing a centralized digital platform for real-time data collection and analysis. It will enable evidence-based decision-making, support effective planning, strengthen technical and institutional capacity, and enhance coordination across the apiculture value chain.
The workshop brought together more than 120 key stakeholders from across the country, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, regional bureau of livestock, regional bureau of agriculture, MaYEA implementing partners, frontline development agents, development partners, and project leaders.
Tadele Tefera (PhD), icipe Ethiopia Country Head, welcomed participants and outlined the key objectives of the workshop. He emphasized the importance of the Apiculture Management Information System (APMIS) in supporting evidence-based economic decision-making through accurate and reliable data, rather than using rough estimated data. Dr Tadele added that the platform will provide comprehensive information on beekeeping, including the number of bee colonies, honey yield, pest threats, climatic variables, market dynamics, and overall sector performance.
Dr. Tadele also noted that APMIS will serve as a credible source of data for policymakers, researchers, and universities, supporting extension systems and contributing to the modernization of Ethiopiaโs apiculture sector. Dr.Tadele highlighted the progress of ongoing activities such as colony carrying capacity assessments, honey traceability systems, and certification. And acknowledged the commitment and collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mastercard Foundation, and IPs for co-implementing the APIMS.
H.E. Dr. Fikru Regassa, State Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, officially opened the workshop. In his speech, Dr. Fikru highlighted Ethiopiaโs immense beekeeping potential, noting the countryโs rich biodiversity, diverse agro-climatic zones, and large number of honeybee colonies; however, honey production and export volumes remain low. He added that the sector had been neglected but is now getting strong national attention, particularly after being included under Yelemat Tirufat during the Jimma Declaration.
Dr. Fikru reported that last year we produced 327,000 tons of honey, but only exported 200 tons, due to weak market linkages, lack of quality standards, and the fact that local honey prices are higher than those in European markets. He stressed the need to increase productivity to meet local demand, increase export volume, and improve our competitiveness in the global market.
Dr. Fikru highlighted that the Digital Agriculture Roadmap launched by the Ministry of Agriculture aims to digitalize major agricultural components, including livestock, crops, natural resources, and input supply. Therefore, APIMS will play a significant role in transforming the beekeeping sector and support in realizing the 2026 (2018 E.C.) national target of producing 375,000 tons of honey. He further underscored that traceability and certification are critical requirements to increase Ethiopiaโs honey export volume and global competitiveness.
Dr. Fikru recognized icipe for the successful piloting of APIMS in 40 districts and plans to expand 135 woredas under the MaYEA program. And he assured that the Ministry of Agriculture has agreed to scale the program nationwide. Dr. Fikru expressed his appreciation to icipe for developing and launching APIMS and thanked all workshop participants for their participation and engagement
Bedaso Taye, MEAL Lead in icipe, introduced the National Apiculture Management Information System (APMIS), outlining its objectives and significance, and then the IT team demonstrated how the database works, and development agents and apiculture experts shared their experiences from the pilot phase, highlighting both successes and challenges encountered. Participants actively engaged in discussions and provided valuable feedback and suggestions to further enhance and advance the database.
Meanwhile, the progress of the colony carrying capacity assessment was presented by Dr. Freweni Aseffa, Technical Working Group Lead for Apiculture, and Dr. Admasu, providing insights into informing ongoing efforts.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Ato Girma Mulugeta, Livestock and Fishery Resource Development State Minister Advisor. He commended the Development Agents and experts for demonstrating strong knowledge and familiarity with the platform. Ato Girma stressed the responsibility of the workshop participants in effectively implementing the digital data collection system at all levels and outlined key strategies for scaling up the initiative at the national level.
Ahmed
