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25 Kibwe/Kingalu Road, Forest Hill Area, P.O. Box 6053, 67109 Morogoro, Tanzania eamcef@easternarc.or.tz
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Situated just on the foot of Udzungwa Mountains, Villagers of Msufini Village in Kilombero District enjoys the magnificent view of forests and landscape just at their vicinity. In this village, EAMCEF selected a small group of farmers to demonstrate how beekeeping through modern beehives can be a profitable economic activity that would change lives of the people, provide them with alternative income that would incentivize them to stop invading protected forests for the same purpose. Ten years earlier prior to EAMCEF intervention, a group of ten farmers – 6 being males – agreed to form a beekeeping group named ‘Wosia wa Baba’. The group gathered 10 locally-made beehives, normally made from logs, and hanged them on trees, in the forest – protected forest. Each beehive produced honey only 5 litres a year. The group therefore generated around TZS. 50,000 – 60,000 per year! The group never owned any honey processing equipment. During honey harvesting period, bee keepers normally light fire to chase away bees. In the process, fire is left uncontrolled and spread to nearby trees and even further deeper into the forest. The forest authority in the area prohibited such activities and put strong measures to prevent people from invading the forests. The group, being among the victims was left without any other option than hanging hives on nearby trees within the village. The group chose a small area and decided to plant trees to serve the purpose, but still this was not economically viable.

To make beekeeping a profitable business that would withdraw villagers from invading protected forests, EAMCEF intervened and took advantage of the existing group to introduce modern beekeeping techniques.

Story Details

  • location:
    Msufini Village, Kilombero District
  • Surrounding Forest:
    Udzungwa Mountains National Park

KEY DATA

Across project sites – Korogwe, Mkinga, Lushoto, Same, Morogoro, Kilombero, Mvomero, Kilolo and Mufindi Districts

  • 1570 (680F:890M) villagers trained on modern beekeeping techniques
  • 82 beekeeping groups formed
  • 1352 modern beehives supplied to villagers/groups
  • 14180 litres of honey harvested
  • 508kgs of beeswax collected
  • TZS. 7,6647,400 revenues generated from sales of honey and beeswax

The project has eased access to transportation for HIV treatment and improved our food security with chicken for eggs and meat. Beekeeping provides us with honey, candles, and oils, boosting both our income and well-being. We are now respected in the community and even support non-members in need.

Opportuna Lomwadi Kingwana

KIWAVIKAI has helped me purchase land and start building a house with 4,000 bricks ready. I’ve also harvested rice from six acres and started keeping chicken, which are now laying eggs. This project has brought financial stability and supports my medical needs.

Halima Ulile

The beekeeping project generated TZS 1.5 million from honey sales, and every member received six chicken to rear. I’ve built a house, bought land, and significantly improved my farming output, harvesting 60 bags of rice from five acres. This project has transformed my life and secured my children’s education.

Modestus Yotam Mwambaluka
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