Scientific Conference
February 5, 2021
The Miombo forests supported by FORVAC are not only an important source of sustainably produced wood products, but also produce a whole range of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Especially beekeeping is one of the main value chains FORVAC supports. The age old link between beekeepers and forests has been an important one in many countries including Tanzania, and in FORVAC-supported sites, with community control of forests and bee reserves, this offers extra protection against threats to the forest. The production of tasty sought after Miombo honey, also provides an income for community members, an additional incentive to keep the forest and build on and strengthen that age old link.
FORVAC has supported the development of the beekeeping value chain from the grassroots up to the policy level. The main achievements at the policy level are the National Beekeeping Policy Implementation Strategy (2021- 2031) and Guidelines for Establishment and Management of Bee Reserves and Apiaries that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania developed and published with the support of FORVAC.
Based on these Government documents, FORVAC facilitated the process of establishing 5 bee reserves, totaling a bee reserve area of 5,059 ha, in Tanga Cluster. The purpose of these reserved forest areas is to develop and manage honeybees as well as improve the production and utilization of bee products from Miombo woodland where many flowering trees are the source of unique and delicious honey.
Honey has been identified as an accessible value chain for poorer households, although it requires skills and some investment. FORVAC has supported 1,115 beekeepers of which 43% are women to gain knowledge and skills on good beekeeping practices and offered some hives and gears to improve their honey business. Additionally, FORVAC has supported the establishment of beekeeping associations in Songea, Mbinga, Nyasa, Namtumbo, Tunduru and Mpwapwa Districts. These associations give a common voice for beekeepers and stronger lobbying power; enhance market access, logistics, and coordination; an offer a platform for sharing expertise and mentoring.
Despite the wide range of different support methods for the beekeeping value chain, FORVAC identified several challenges that were hindering the expansion of beekeeping in its operational area. Hereby, at the beginning of 2024, FORVAC contracted short-term consultants to investigate the reasons for these challenges, especially in Ruvuma Cluster. The practical recommendations on how to enhance the beekeeping value chain are presented in the consultancy report (see the link below). As FORVAC is ending in July 2024, it won’t have time to tackle all the challenges, but local government officials and other relevant stakeholders, as well as future projects, can use these recommendations to support the growth of the honey industry in Ruvuma Cluster.
