By Mussa Juma -Babati
Wildlife experts in Tanzania have launched an innovative approach to reduce human-elephant conflict by using bees as a natural deterrent, in a move aimed at protecting communities and boosting rural incomes.
The initiative, introduced in the Tarangire–Manyara ecosystem, involves setting up beehive fences to prevent elephants from invading farms while generating income through honey production. The project was launched by the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) in partnership with local conservation NGO TemboPilipili.
TAWIRI Director General, Dr Ernest Mjingo, said the government spends nearly Sh4 billion annually in compensating people affected by elephants and other wildlife. He noted that human-elephant conflict has intensified in several parts of the country due to the rising elephant population.
“Elephants are highly intelligent and can change their behaviour to overcome traditional deterrents,” said Dr Mjingo. “This calls for the development of innovative and community-friendly technologies, such as beehive fences, to protect farms and settlements.”
He said solutions must be shared with communities to ensure they are well understood and sustainably implemented. Dr Mjingo also commended TemboPilipili for coming up with the bee fence model, saying it reflects efforts to combine conservation and economic development.
The project is funded by Sweden’s Veterinarians Without Borders with an investment of over Sh50 million. It will initially be implemented in Kakoi Village, Babati District, with 100 beehives installed during the first phase.
TemboPilipili Director, Dr Alex Chang’a, said the organisation has worked on mitigating human-elephant conflict since 2009 and is now scaling up its efforts through bee fencing.
“Our goal is to eventually install about 500 beehives in villages surrounding the Tarangire and Manyara national parks,” said Dr Chang’a. “In addition to protecting farms, the project will provide families with economic opportunities through honey production.”
He said the project will be managed jointly by community members and TemboPilipili, with dedicated village officers overseeing implementation to ensure sustainability.
“We also plan to establish a tourism centre where visitors to Tarangire can buy honey and other bee products, creating more value for local producers,” he added.
TAWIRI researchers, including bee-keeping expert Dr Wilfred Marealle and elephant researcher Revocatus Meney, described the project as timely and promising. They said research indicates that elephants avoid bees due to the risk of being stung, making beehives an effective and eco-friendly barrier.
Mr Meney said TAWIRI has identified 19 elephant herds with an estimated population of 4,000 in the Tarangire ecosystem, highlighting the importance of finding lasting solutions to protect both people and wildlife.
For his part, Dr Marealle noted that TAWIRI has strengthened its apiculture unit to support communities in adopting beekeeping as a conservation tool.
During the launch, stakeholders from academia, the media, conservation organisations and government institutions discussed ways to improve the project, including community training, monitoring, and value chain development.
The project is expected to serve as a model for reducing human-wildlife conflict while promoting sustainable livelihoods in areas bordering wildlife habitats.