Beekeeping is a sustainable practice that offers economic benefits and promotes environmental conservation. The Kibaha District in Tanzania, popularly known for its rich biodiversity and coastal forests, is leveraging beekeeping to address ecological and socio-economic challenges. With support from the BMZ Small Project Fund, this initiative aims to create a BeeKeeping Training Center, fostering knowledge exchange, enhancing local incomes, and conserving the environment.
Since 2017, in collaboration with Weltweit, Environmental Conservation Action, has been active in the Kibaha region working to protect coastal ecosystems. These forests are critical for biodiversity, climate regulation, and habitat for endangered species. However, they face major threats from deforestation mostly driven by demand for timber, charcoal, and agricultural expansion. The previous projects included training locals in nursery management and tree planting, reducing the pressure on natural forests. Introducing beekeeping has shown promise, as it provides alternative incomes and supports forest conservation by deterring tree felling.
The beekeeping project’s initial efforts entailed creating awareness and training both experienced and novice beekeepers. The new Beekeeping Traning Center will upscale these activities, offering more comprehensive courses and fostering knowledge exchange among beekeepers and experts. A practical training facility was also established where the bee-keepers were able to engage in more hands-on learning. Finally, to ensure the sustainability of the project, local and international trade exhibitions were set up to aid the beekeepers find a market for their products and expanding their networks.
Impact and Sustainability
The Beekeeping Training Center aims to be a permanent institution offering regular courses and also serve as a gathering point for beekeeping cooperatives and individual practitioners, with the training of 180 young beekeepers, an increase in local income through the sale of honey and other bee products, enhanced pollination leading to better agricultural yields, and preservation of the Ruvu North Forest by providing alternative home sources that reduce the need for deforestation.
The Kibaha District Beekeeping Project is a vital initiative that intertwines environmental conservation with socio-economic development. By establishing a robust training infrastructure and fostering market opportunities, the project aims to create lasting benefits for both the community and the environment. As beekeeping takes root in Kibaha, it promises to safeguard precious ecosystems while empowering local communities towards sustainable livelihoods.