Sweet success for Tanzania forestry project

05 September 2012

Beekeeping: sweet profits that are protecting Tanzanian forests

Farm Africa has played a major role recently in reducing deforestation in Tanzania’s Nou Forest.

We have helped 649 households find new and sustainable ways of earning income from the forest’s resources. Ways that do not involve cutting down trees to sell for firewood and charcoal.

These new enterprises will play a major role in preserving the forest’s natural resources for future generations. They include beekeeping and honey production, mushroom farming, fish farming, raffia weaving and tree nurseries. Each has now been established as successful enterprises providing forest-based farmers with much-needed business opportunities.

Real income from sustainable enterprises

In recent months, for example, we have distributed 500 beehives to seven beekeeping groups. 90% of these hives are now active - each hive producing an average of 11lb of honey this season. Each beekeeper is now earning an average of 640,000 Tanzanian shillings ($400) from sales, thanks to strong local demand for honey.

We have also brought beekeepers together to establish beekeeping associations which will help towards making beekeeping more sustainable. By joining together and collectively branding their honey and by selling in bulk to local markets, the farmers will be able to get better prices for their honey.

Changing attitudes to protect the forests

Farm Africa has also replicated this success in similar work with mushroom farming, raffia weaving, fish farming and tree nurseries.

In demonstrating to local communities the value of new opportunities created by the forest's resources, and increasing their determination to protect it and their long-term livelihoods, this work has proved hugely successful.