The vast majority of the population in Benishangul-Gumuz lives off the land. Although the soil is fertile and the climate is favourable, the region often suffers from food scarcity („green hunger“). One of the main causes of this is the abundance of the tsetse fly. The tsetse fly is the main transmitter of deadly sleeping-sickness to humans and livestock (Nagana). In affected areas keeping livestock is often nearly impossible.

Since farming in Ethiopia is dependent on ploughing oxen, many large fields lie fallow due to a lack of these animals, which worsens the food supply and living conditions of those affected. For this reason, interest in and need for information on the integrated approach to environmentally friendly tsetse fly control and organic farming is huge.

Biovision supports its long-term partner organisations BEA and icipe in the establishment of a model Biofarm, which serves as an education and training centre for farmers and also extension workers and interested teaching personnel from the entire region.

Small farmers learn how to protect their oxen from tsetse bites and apply organic farming methods on their farms and fields in a practice oriented way that is aligned with their needs. Other important complementary topics such as marketing, health precautions, family planning and HIV prevention are dealt with alongside the practical courses in tsetse fly control and organic farming.