Beekeepers in Kangeme Village, Ulowa Ward, Kahama District, are poised to increase the value of their honey products following the launch of a modern honey collection and processing center built at a cost of TZS 84 million.
The facility, capable of storing over 90 tonnes of honey, was constructed by the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, with funding from the European Union (EU) through the BEVAC project.
Speaking on behalf of the Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Kahama District Commissioner Frank John Mkinda urged careful management of the center to ensure it benefits both cooperative members and the wider community.
“I call on the Ulowa Beekeepers Cooperative leaders to manage this center efficiently and achieve its objectives. This is a major opportunity to raise incomes for local residents,” he said.
He also encouraged the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to support beekeepers by building their skills, improving production, and ensuring access to reliable markets.
The Commissioner further urged all stakeholders to strengthen value addition for bee products to secure higher and more sustainable incomes for the community.
Following his remarks, the District Commissioner officially opened the center and handed over ownership documents to the Ulowa Beekeepers Cooperative, which will now legally manage and operate the facility.