This project involves the introduction of improved beekeeping technologies and financial instruments for chronically food-insecure households in Ethiopia's highland regions. The project aims to address low agricultural productivity and income instability among vulnerable populations, and is expected to generate economic and social benefits by: increasing household incomes, graduating 50,000 households from food insecurity, and creating gender-inclusive income opportunities through modern honey production methods. As part of the evaluation, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis was conducted in line with international good practices, assessing the project's financial viability, economic efficiency, and distributional impacts. The analysis included detailed comparisons of three intervention models (immediate modern hive adoption, phased transition approaches, and modified equity requirements), honey market demand forecasts, cost estimates for beekeeping equipment and training, and risk-adjusted loan repayment scenarios through the project's US$2 million credit guarantee facility.

These assessments ensure robust decision-making support for USAID/Ethiopia and implementing partners (CARE, REST, ORDA, CRS, and SNV) under the Graduation with Resilience to Achieve Sustainable Development (GRAD) project.  These findings support the project's implementation as part of GRAD's integrated four-value-chain approach (honey, meat, vegetables, pulses) to sustainably reduce poverty and improve resilience among Ethiopia's most vulnerable households.