Beekeepers urged to protect environment for more honey
DODOMA: BEEKEEPERS in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region have been urged to protect environment by avoiding deforestation and planting flowering trees to improve honey production and quality.
Kongwa District Commissioner, Mr Mayeka Mayeka, made the call while handing over beehives, honey-processing equipment and groundnut shelling machines to beneficiaries at Ugogoni Ward.
The equipment was donated by the Foundation for Energy, Climate and Environment (FECE).
The district commissioner said bees depend on diverse flowering trees and reliable water sources, stressing that environmental conservation is central to successful and sustainable beekeeping.
“Bees are a valuable economic asset, and the equipment provided should be treated as capital that can improve livelihoods and contribute to household and national economic growth,” he said.
ALSO READ: Tanzania, Saudi Arabia pledge to deepen ties in youth empowerment
FECE Coordinator Juma Selemani, said equipment worth 37m/- including three honey filtering machines, three honey extractors, two groundnut shelling machines and 120 beehives had been distributed to 10 groups in Ugogoni Ward.
He said the initiative aims to promote beekeeping, increase household incomes and contribute to climate change mitigation through environmental conservation.
Mr Selemani added that FECE plans to expand the programme by distributing more beehives, strengthening hands-on training in honey processing, improving extension services and promoting Kongwa honey.
He said honey production among beneficiary groups increased from 40 per cent in 2022 to 85 per cent in 2024, with groups now independently purchasing additional beehives, an indicator of project sustainability.
District Environmental Officer, Ms Rukia Kwangaya, said modern beehives increase honey yields while bees play a critical role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
Speaking on behalf of residents, Ugogoni Ward Councillor, Mr Elisha Kuta, thanked FECE for the support, urging beneficiaries to utilise the equipment effectively for sustainable development.
