By Our Correspondent, Dodoma
The Tanzania Beekeeping Development Organisation (TABEDO) has been directed to adopt a modern electronic system known as the Integrated Membership Management System (IMMS) to enhance the collection, management and coordination of data on beekeeping stakeholders across the country.
The call was made by the Principal Forestry Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Emmanuel Msoffe, on behalf of the Director of the Forestry and Beekeeping Division, during the closing of TABEDO’s Annual General Meeting held in Dodoma.
Mr Msoffe said that despite the achievements recorded by TABEDO, the organisation still carries a major responsibility of bringing together all stakeholders in the beekeeping sector and stimulating sustainable growth of the industry.
“The introduction of this digital system will greatly help in identifying and serving our stakeholders efficiently. It will enable access to essential information such as stakeholder profiles, their needs, and link them to market opportunities, training on modern beekeeping practices and sector-wide information exchange,” he said.
He further noted that although the government is continuing with deliberate efforts to establish accurate data on the number of beekeepers, beehives and overall production of bee products, TABEDO has a crucial role to ensure reliable data on its members and to collaborate with other institutions in collecting and storing such information.
“There are notable weaknesses in the management of beekeeping groups and cooperative societies in the country. TABEDO should work closely with stakeholders to build the capacity of leaders and members in these groups and cooperatives,” Mr Msoffe emphasised.
Additionally, he urged the organisation to develop a clear strategic plan with measurable goals and targets to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandate.
He also called on TABEDO to establish sustainable income-generating strategies, strengthen collaboration with other stakeholders in service delivery, and intensify promotional efforts to attract more members.
On his part, TABEDO Chairman, Mr Abdallah Kakoso, said the two-day meeting focused on, among other objectives, laying the groundwork for the establishment of TABEDO SACCOS and formulating new strategies to strengthen the organisation and enhance its contribution to the national economy through bee products.
