TFS boosts bee products value chain
TABORA: THE Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) is advancing value addition and marketing of bee products to boost beekeepers’ income and sustain the country’s leading position in Africa’s beekeeping sector.
The agency is taking the initiative following the country’s recent success in the sector, after Tanzania was ranked the second-best producer of bee products in Africa, particularly honey, during an international exhibitions held in South Africa.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Bee Day 2026 held recently at the Kumbukumbu ya Vita grounds in Tabora, Senior Assistant Commissioner for Conservation at TFS, Mr Hussein Msuya, said that despite significant progress recorded in the beekeeping sector in recent years, the agency continues to implement various initiatives to ensure its sustainability.
Mr Msuya, who also serves as TFS Bee Resources Manager, said the agency continues to prioritise conservation education, noting that bees are living organisms that require proper environment protection to survive and thrive.
He explained that conservation education is not only about honey production, but also about protecting indigenous trees and forests that support bee habitats and ensure sustainable production of bee products and food security.
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Mr Msuya further warned that bees continue to face major challenges, including excessive use of agricultural chemicals, environment destruction, bushfires and climate change, all of which negatively affect bee population and productivity.
“The education we provide must go hand in hand with production, environment conservation and the use of modern technology in honey production,” he noted.
Mr Msuya noted futher that many women and youth have recently joined the sector as producers of bee products, particularly honey, enabling them to generate income and improve their livelihoods.
According to him, the progress has largely been driven by the increasing use of modern beehives, replacing traditional hives that were commonly used in the past.
On his part, Tabora Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr John Mboya, said that despite Tanzania ranking second in Africa, Tabora Region remains the country’s leading producer of bee products.
“When Tanzania participated in the honey exhibitions in South Africa last year, we secured second position in Africa,” he said.
He noted that national honey production reached about 33 tonnes last year, with Tabora alone producing an average of 16 tonnes, nearly half of the country’s total output.
According to Dr Mboya, Tabora honey is widely regarded as the best in the country due to the region’s vast forest resources, favourable ecology, good climate and natural environment preferred by bees.
“Tabora honey leads because we have extensive forests, and bees thrive in forest ecosystems, favourable environment and suitable climatic conditions more than in many other parts of Tanzania,” he explained.
The theme for World Bee Day 2026 was: “Bee Together for People and the Planet: A Partnership That Sustains Us All,” underscoring the importance of collaboration among communities, institutions and farmers in protecting bees and promoting sustainable practices.
