Exploring the potential of non-timber forest products: the case of Ethiopian honey export to Denmark

Its diverse agroecology has endowed Ethiopia with enormous honey production potential in Africa. Nevertheless, due to the undeveloped production system and poor market linkage with the global arena, the country could not fetch proportional benefits from this resource. To enhance better understanding on the problem and recommend appropriate improvement measures for the sector, prevailing opportunities and constraints were explored in relation to honey export to Denmark. Major honey stakeholders were contacted to assess the opportunities and constraints of Ethiopian honey export. Semi-structured interview, participatory appraisal technique and short questionnaire interview were adopted for data collection. The results show improving opportunities for exporting companies through creating conducive policy and support from the government of Ethiopia and NGOs. On the other hand, current supply of honey by producers in terms of quantity and quality are major constraints for the exporters. In relation to importer, there are growing demands for Ethiopian honey due to its organic source. Similarly, consumers. survey showed that the demand for organic honey has the highest priority in contrast to origin and price. However, most consumers lack information and have concern over Ethiopian honey; especially in terms of quality and characteristics. Development strategy that improves smallholder honey production capacity, better business communication with potential Danish honey importers and promotion of organic honey to consumers may make a significant contribution to enhance Ethiopian honey export to Denmark.