Honey is a highly valued natural product, prized not only for its unique taste but also for its nutritional, medicinal and economic significance. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, honey has been used for centuries as a dietary supplement, therapeutic agent, and natural sweetener. In Ethiopia, which is recognized as the largest honey producer in Africa and one of the leading suppliers globally, apiculture plays a critical role in supporting rural livelihoods. Beekeeping contributes significantly to household incomes, enhances food security through pollination of crops and generates substantial export revenue, making it an important component of the national economy. However, the quality and safety of honey are increasingly threatened by the accumulation of residues from pesticides, veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants. Such residues can alter honey’s physicochemical and enzymatic properties, reducing its nutritional and organoleptic quality and may pose serious health risks to consumers, including neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM), routine monitoring of chemical residues and systematic training programs for farmers and beekeepers on safe practices. Furthermore, promoting organic and bee-friendly farming systems can help protect pollinators, maintain ecological balance and ensure the production of high-quality honey. Sustainable apiculture in Ethiopia depends on coordinated national policies, investment in research and extension services and active engagement of stakeholders across the honey value chain. By prioritizing pollinator protection, food safety and quality control measures, Ethiopia can secure the long-term viability of its honey sector while continuing to meet both domestic and international demand for safe, nutritious and high-quality honey.
Tegegn Teshome (2026) studied this question.