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Establishing and managing apiary in Kisarawe District

The Tanzania Landscapes Restoration Organization (TaLRO), in collaboration with UNDP GEF/SGP and local government officers, launched a community beekeeping project in Kisarawe District, focusing on Vibula and Maguruwe villages. The project aims to empower communities by promoting sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping while protecting the forest ecosystem in the Pugu-Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve (PKNFR). Through procurement and installation of both stinging and stingless bee hives, training sessions, and field demonstrations, the initiative targets reduced dependence on forest resources, increased income, and enhanced community awareness on biodiversity conservation.

Objectives

  • 01

    Livelihood Diversification

    Provide alternative income sources to reduce pressure on forest ecosystems.

  • 02

    Environmental Conservation

    Support restoration and sustainable use of forest landscapes in and around Pugu Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve (PKNFR.)

  • 03

    Capacity Building

    Train villagers in sustainable beekeeping practices, including hive management, pest control, and honey harvesting.

  • 04

    Honey Value Chain Development

    Equip beneficiaries with knowledge and skills to manage the honey production and distribution process for economic benefit.

  • 05

    Climate Resilience

    Improve ecosystem services and community resilience to climate change by protecting biodiversity.

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Progress and Achievements

Infrastructure and Resources

  • 15 beehives for stinging bees and 13 for stingless bees were procured and installed at apiary sites in Vibula and Maguruwe.
  • Field assessment identified a 3-acre forest patch and surrounding cultivated land with ideal conditions for beekeeping (floral diversity, water, shade).

Training & Capacity Building

  • At least 20 villagers were trained in managing bee colonies.
  • Mr. Muheluka Songera, a beekeeper from Vibula, received intensive field training from an expert at Kerege demonstration site, including:
    • Hive inspection and seasonal managements
    • Pest and disease control
    • Honey harvesting and processing
    • Use of protective gear and hive tools
    • Feral swarm management

Hive Occupancy Progress

  • Out of 15 stinging bee hives, 7 are currently occupied.
  • 5 of the stingless bee hives are also occupied, reflecting moderate initial colonization success.

Recommendations and Conclusion

✅ Recommendations

  • Follow-up Technical Support: Continue mentoring and site visits by experienced beekeepers and agricultural officers to support colony sustainability and improve occupancy rates.
  • Enhanced Community Outreach: Scale up peer-to-peer training models and promote success stories to attract more local participation.
  • Honey Value Chain Development: Begin establishing partnerships with private sector buyers and processors to create market access for honey and related products.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation: Establish clear tracking metrics for hive occupancy, honey yield, and income generation to quantify project impact.
  • Resource Expansion: Consider expanding hive numbers and diversifying bee forage sources based on the promising conditions noted in the reconnaissance survey.

✅ Conclusion

The TaLRO beekeeping initiative is off to a strong start, having successfully established basic infrastructure, trained key personnel, and achieved initial hive colonization. With continued support and strategic scaling, the project holds great promise to deliver both environmental and economic benefits for communities in Kisarawe District.