The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has directed the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to strengthen its management of beekeeping products and target an annual honey production of 50,000 tons for export.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande, announced this in Morogoro while opening the fourth annual general meeting for commanders of TFS’s Seventh Zone, including district chief wardens, forest managers, environmental forest rangers, and cultural heritage site officers.
The Deputy Minister also urged TFS to continue conducting research to enable Tanzanian honey products to reach global markets.
"Regarding beekeeping products, I commend TFS for your excellent management, which allows us to produce some of the best honey in the world. I urge you to continue researching other bee products, including bee venom which is in high demand worldwide bee pollen, and more," said Chande.
He also called on TFS to continue educating local communities, particularly on the use of modern beekeeping hives.
In addition, he instructed TFS leadership to provide opportunities for their officers and commanders to pursue further studies, which will enhance their skills, improve their benefits, and allow them to apply their knowledge for the agency’s growth.
On daily operations, the Deputy Minister encouraged TFS commanders, officers, and staff to respect hierarchy, have patience in implementing development plans, build trust with stakeholders, and ensure accountability in all their actions.
During the meeting, TFS Conservation Commissioner Professor Dosantos Silayo stated that the conference serves as a special forum to replace previous staff council meetings, which were discontinued after TFS transitioned from a civilian to a military-based system.
"TFS became a militarized agency in 2018, and since then, we needed a platform to bring our officers together to discuss challenges, share achievements, and advise on how the agency can progress," said Prof. Silayo.
He added that the meeting also serves as a training platform for officers, with experts invited to address relevant topics.
Training subjects will include mental health, non-communicable diseases, self-awareness, leadership skills, and recreational activities, including sports competitions.
Regarding achievements, Prof. Silayo noted that TFS has constructed 138 new buildings, including offices and forest protection centers, while ongoing challenges include boundary conflicts between reserves and villages.
The Ministry’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, Bernard Marceline, praised TFS staff for their dedication and integrity.
"I have been at the ministry for three years, and among the institutions I work with, TFS stands out. I have never received complaints from TFS; you are truly hardworking," said Marceline.
TFS Advisory Board Chairman, retired Lieutenant Chiku Galawa, added that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made significant efforts to promote the country through the Royal Tour, aiming to attract 8 million tourists by 2030.
