Beekeepers in Urambo District, Tabora Region, are reaping the benefits of government support channelled through the Tanzania Forest Fund (TaFF), with many attributing improved incomes and stronger conservation practices to the initiative.
The Tanzania Forest Fund, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, has provided grants to several community-based projects in Urambo, helping local groups strengthen sustainable beekeeping and forest management efforts.
Urambo Folk Development College (FDC) Principal, Elias Niima, said the college received TZS30 million from TaFF, which has enabled it to launch a thriving beekeeping project aimed at generating income while conserving the surrounding forest.
“The grant helped us purchase 151 modern beehives and construct water harvesting ponds. So far, we’ve started producing about 80 litres of honey, and we plan to establish a beekeeping excellence centre to train community members,” said Niima.
He explained that the college’s location surrounded by forested areas offers an ideal environment for linking education, conservation, and commercial honey production.
“This initiative is a model of how environmental conservation can go hand in hand with livelihood improvement,” he added.
At the Legal Aid Assistance Centre (ULAC), the organisation’s accountant Agnes Kilinda said they received TZS17.5 million of an approved TZS25 million grant, which was used to purchase 121 beehives and other modern beekeeping tools.
“We are grateful to TaFF for trusting our vision. This project has given us a new and reliable source of income that supports our free legal aid services for underprivileged communities,” said Kilinda.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) Central Western Diocese has also benefited from the initiative.
The Church’s representative, Ruchius Bilakwata, said their TZS20 million grant has strengthened their beekeeping operations and forest conservation in the KIU Forest, which is jointly managed by the villages of Kangeme, Itebulanda, and Utenge.
“With the grant, we purchased 150 hives and improved forest management activities. To date, we have expanded to 750 hives, showing the sustainability of the project and the growing interest among villagers in forest conservation,” Bilakwata said.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of TaFF, Dr. Tuli Msuya, commended the beneficiaries for their commitment and accountability in using the funds, saying their projects demonstrate how conservation financing can uplift local communities.
“We are pleased with the positive results we’re seeing in Urambo. TaFF will continue monitoring all funded projects to ensure they deliver real impact improving livelihoods, supporting local economies, and promoting sustainable forest resource management,” said Dr. Msuya.
He added that TaFF remains committed to empowering more community groups across Tanzania to engage in productive and environmentally friendly activities such as beekeeping, tree planting, and forest management.