Summary
Currently, there are at least 1,000 beehives within the Tanzania’s second-largest tree estate in Chato district, Geita Region.
GEITA: THE Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) in Geita Region has obtained a total of 250m/- from the Tanzania Forest Fund (TaFF) to support the development of apiculture projects.
The funds will drive a robust initiative to expand beekeeping projects within the Agency’s prominent afforestation project in Silayo Forest.
These efforts will also include the establishment of an ultra-modern plant for processing bee-related products.
Currently, there are at least 1,000 beehives within the Tanzania’s second-largest tree estate in Chato district, Geita Region.
Briefing the publication on the development, Silayo Forest Plantation Conservation Officer (SCO) Juma Mwita Mseti noted that the funds were sought to further enhance the performance of the apiculture sector.
“We launched beekeeping projects during the 2020/2021 fiscal year and have since recorded growing volumes in the production of bee-related products,” he stated.
He added that, as of the 2025/26 financial year, the project successfully produced 2,800 kg of honey and 110 kg of wax, with harvesting and processing still ongoing.
“This output was achieved from a total of 650 harvested beehives, equivalent to 4.31 kg per beehive,” he added.
To foster strong relationships with communities surrounding the state-owned forest, the beekeeping projects are owned and operated by local residents.
“We decided to fully involve local communities in managing the beekeeping projects. Our role as Silayo Forest is to provide necessary mentorship to ensure professional handling of these initiatives,” he emphasized.
He further noted that community involvement also serves as a strategy to enhance the protection of the natural vegetation within the forest.
Located in Katoro Town, about 65 km from Chato District headquarters in Geita Region, the 65,248.54-hectare tree estate holds a strategic position to boost the timber business in the Lake Zone and across the country.
About Silayo Forest
The Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency manages the 69,756-hectare Silayo Plantation Forest in Chato District, Geita Region, which was inaugurated in 2021 to boost conservation and local employment. As of late 2023, over 5.1 million trees were planted across 4,591 hectares. The project generates revenue, protects water sources, and supports local communities through jobs and education.
Beekeeping sector in Tanzania
Tanzania’s beekeeping sector is a major rural livelihood source employing over 2 million people, generating roughly US$ 1.7–5.2 million annually from honey and beeswax exports.
As Africa’s second-largest honey producer, Tanzania leverages its 35 million hectares of forests for high-potential, albeit largely traditional, apiculture.
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