By Charles Mkoka, Dodoma
The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has encouraged citizens to take advantage of opportunities in beekeeping within forest reserves while complying with established procedures aimed at ensuring sustainable conservation of natural resources.
Speaking on the initiative, Senior Beekeeping Officer at TFS, Subira Umari Matimbwa, said the agency allows controlled beekeeping activities in forest reserves under its management, provided that interested beekeepers obtain the required permits and follow conservation regulations.
She explained that applicants are first required to identify the forest reserve where they intend to establish beekeeping activities and submit an application through the relevant TFS district office.
The application should indicate the location of the forest, as well as the number and type of beehives to be used.
According to Matimbwa, beekeepers granted access to forest reserves become important partners in conservation and are expected to report any illegal activities or environmental destruction they encounter within those areas.
“Beekeeping provides an opportunity for communities to benefit from forest resources while also participating in their protection and sustainable management,” she said.
She noted that individuals are not allowed to enter protected forest areas without authorization, including those who own beehives inside the reserves. Beekeepers must obtain entry permits whenever they need to inspect their hives, carry out maintenance or harvest honey.
Matimbwa clarified that the procedures apply specifically to forest and bee reserves managed by TFS, while other protected areas such as wildlife reserves and national parks are governed by their respective management authorities, which have their own regulations for permitting activities including beekeeping.
She added that private landowners with suitable environments, including woodland areas on their own properties, are also free to engage in beekeeping without restrictions, although they are encouraged to seek proper technical guidance to improve production and ensure sustainable practices.
TFS says promoting responsible beekeeping supports both environmental conservation and economic empowerment by creating income opportunities for communities while protecting Tanzania’s forest ecosystems.
