Building an entire economic sector with mangos

In Ethiopia, Biovision promotes mangos as a pivotal source of income. To ensure the sustainability of the crop, farmers are trained in agroeconomic practices, and their connections to entrepreneurs and authorities along the mango value chain are strengthened.

Background: looking for sustainable solutions

Invasive insect species (such as Bactrocera dorsalis and Aulacaspis tubercularis) cause failures of 80 to 100 percent in mango crops in Ethiopia, thereby threatening the livelihoods of many smallholder families. Consequences of climate change and declining soil fertility also create difficulties in mango production.  

This is where our project comes in: our local partner icipe develops agroecological methods to best adapt them to local needs, and then trains farmers in how to use the methods.  

But this is not enough on its own. Farmers are sometimes forced to abandon agroecological practices (such as agroecological pest control) because necessary components (such as fruit fly traps, biopesticides or even knowledge) are unavailable or insufficient. This is why we support young people in developing business models to supply these needs. In doing so, we train them in both business management and agroeconomic practices. The young entrepreneurs can then supply farmers with the necessary knowledge or materials needed for agroecological practices. 

Goals: integrated and sustainable mango production

  1. Strengthen integrated mango production through smallholder farmers. 
  2. Analyze and improve the mango market’s value chain and the factors that influence its success. 
  3. Raise awareness of integrated mango production among stakeholders.  

Achieving these goals should ultimately lead to higher incomes, improved food and nutrition security, and environmental sustainability. 

At a glance

Project name:

Mangos in Ethiopia
Beneficiaries:
Ethiopia

Project budget in CHF :

300000
Participants:
Agricultural advisors
Small and medium sized enterprises
Smallholder farmers
Project Officer:
Project phase:
2024-2026
Partner organizations:

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Kenya 

The project addresses the following SDGs from UN Agenda 2030:

This project is supported by SDC

Region
Topics
Ein Porträt von Amsalu Keche, Mangobauer in Äthiopien.
“I had my mango trees grafted with an improved variety. This has quadrupled my income. Now I send my children to school and have built a new house.”
Amsalu Keche, mango farmer from Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Impact to date: local companies increase earnings and knowledge

In Arba Minch (in the south of the country), 4000 farmers have learned how to use agroecological methods to increase their harvests. Five newly established companies have sold more than 170,000 seedlings and cuttings of more resistant mango varieties and grafted more than 1500 trees with new varieties. Furthermore, entrepreneurs impart the most current knowledge, thus allowing us to shift the work to locally based structures. 

Facts and figures about the project

In Arba Minch,
farmers have learned how to increase their harvest by using agroecological methods.
5 newly established companies have sold more than
seedlings and cuttings of more resistant mango varieties.

Next steps: training and markets for mango farmers 

The project phase came to an end in late 2024. Nevertheless, the goal remains to ensure that more farmers can benefit from the results in the long term. Our partner organization icipe will continue to work on expanding training opportunities for mango farmers. 

The focus also remains on working with young entrepreneurs to access (inter)national markets and further promote the implementation of agroecological practices. By collaborating closely with local structures and young businesses, sustainable mango production in the region can be secured in the long term.

Donate now

With your support, you make a significant contribution to fighting hunger and poverty, building confidence and strengthening self-determined living. The ZEWO seal of approval guarantees a conscientious and cost-conscious use of your donations.

CHF
CHF
CHF
CHF custom amount

To support this project or get further information, please contact

Sharon Nehrenheim
Team lead Partnerships
+41 44 512 58 13

More about this or similar projects

Markets

How agroecological is my initiative?

Biovision promotes agroecology to leverage a sustainable food system. Entrepreneurs, project leaders and people responsible for initiatives often do not know how much their projects or business model correspond to the 13 principles of agroecology, though. To make their assessments easier (and anchor agroecology more firmly as a result), Biovision has developed the Business Agroecology Criteria Tool, or B-ACT for short.
Agriculture

I have the mango fruit flies under control

Mrs. Ngare and her sister from Embu in Kenya have every reason to beam. Their mango harvest is rich and they themselves are healthy.
Agriculture, Knowledge

Biovision projects help scientist win award

Scientist Fathiya M. Khamis has received the Abdool Karim Award for her research. Some of her work researching into integrated pest management is co-financed by Biovision.
Agriculture

He who laughs last…

“It was a huge problem,” recalls James Gichovi from Kimangaru (Kenya); he is referring to the swarm of fruit flies that descended on his mangos. “They were absolutely everywhere – we had no chance” Eventually, he found a way to protect his mangos in a sustainable way.