Linking Bees, Biodiversity, and Breadwinners: Ecological and Economic values of Beekeeping for Agricultural productivity and livelihood sustainability in Southern Ethiopia

Linking Bees, Biodiversity, and Breadwinners highlights the complex and essential relationship between Bees and the survival of rural livelihoods. Although the role of bees in advancing sustainable development objectives is broadly recognized, a range of additional advantages offered by bees has not been completely acknowledged. This study examines how Beekeeping adoption influences ecological productivity and the sustainability of livelihoods for rural households across six kebele in Dilla Zuria, Wonago, and Dale woreda clusters in Southern Ethiopia. It employs a triangulated mixed-methods design that includes household surveys (n = 178), plot-level production data (n = 120), alongside 10 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs). An index for livelihood sustainability (LSI) was developed utilizing normalized components of economic, social, and ecological factors. Findings indicate that adopting Beekeeping boosts the likelihood of enhanced livelihood sustainability by 6 percentage points, and every extra ETB 1,000 in honey revenue elevates LSI by 1.2 percentage points. Productivity assessment shows that a one-unit rise in the pollinator index boosts crop yield by 12%, while adding 10 hives raises yield by 3%. Mediation analysis verifies a modest yet significant ecological pathway; adoption enhances pollinator abundance (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), leading to higher yield (β = 0.11, p = 0.007), resulting in a small but notable indirect benefit in LSI. Propensity score matching shows an average income increase of ETB 3,200 for those who adopt. Qualitative evidence spines these conclusions, emphasizing Beekeeping as a means of income stability, ecosystem benefits, and empowerment, especially when combined with institutional backing and gender inclusivity. The research introduces and determines that Beekeeping acts as a connection between 3B’s (Bees, Biodiversity, and Breadwinners) as preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of rural livelihoods. The research finds that enhancing Beekeeping in smallholder farming systems can greatly support in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- especially SDG 1.1 and 1.2 through improved income-focused poverty alleviation, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15.1 and 15.5, aligning with the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Enhancing agroecological methods that support pollinators, increasing access to modern Beekeeping technologies, and boosting institutional capabilities can expedite advancements towards sustainable agri-food systems.