By The Respondents reporter
Tanzania has urged intensified research and strategic planning to increase honey production and expand exports, as part of efforts to boost economic growth and raise incomes for beekeepers.
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande, directed the Forestry and Beekeeping Department to adopt deliberate measures aimed at raising national honey output from the current 24% of estimated production potential to 50% by 2027.
Speaking during a meeting with beekeeping sector experts in Dodoma, Chande said the sector remains one of the key contributors to household incomes and the broader national economy, underscoring the need to strengthen production and access to international markets.
He also instructed the department to conduct further research on specific tree species, including Mtonga Bahari and cloves, to determine their potential to produce distinctive honey varieties that could benefit beekeepers and enhance Tanzania’s export competitiveness.
Chande further called for closer collaboration between the department, the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), training institutions, and industry stakeholders to undertake in-depth research into apitherapy, the medicinal use of bee products, to expand bee-related health services.
Acting Director of Forestry and Beekeeping Seleboni Mushi said the ministry continues to work with colleges, affiliated institutions, and stakeholders to promote modern beekeeping techniques under the “Better Tanzania Beekeeping Sector Development Plan,” as well as through workshops and exhibitions.
Tanzania accounts for approximately 1.7% of global honey production, ranking second in Africa and 14th worldwide.
The sector is estimated to support around two million jobs across the beekeeping value chain.