Empowering Tanzanian Communities Through Beekeeping – 2026 Update

21 mai 2026

This project is in collaboration with Emmanuel International Tanzania (EITZ) and the Tanzania Assemblies of God.

Sustainable transformation happens when communities are empowered spiritually and economically. The project aims to educate communities across Tanzania about the significance of beekeeping, an under-explored income-generating activity. Meaningful change has been seen throughout Kayenze, Malya, Ngudu, and Kome Island, which encompasses Mchangani, Nyabintu, Nyamkolechiwa, Nyamiswi, and Buhama.

The mission is to improve livelihoods through environmentally friendly income-generating activities, equip families with the practical skills to turn beekeeping into a small business, and preach the Word of God.

Hear directly from Mr. Lawi from the Nyamiswi Group on how the project has improved his livelihood.

“I thank God and our Emmanuel International for the knowledge which they have given us on beekeeping. I have succeeded in making my own hives now. My family is enjoying the honey from our own hives.”

EITZ works closely with local government authorities and community leaders to build beehives in designated forest areas. The project combines practical beekeeping knowledge with biblical principles, encouraging communities to care for their environment while improving income and food security.

Hive Installation and Apiary Expansion

A major milestone was achieved with the installation of 300 beehives across four villages on Kome Island. Routine management activities have also continued in other villages, such as vegetation clearing around hives, pest inspections, hive maintenance, and monitoring of colony health.

Capacity Building and Training

Here is a picture of beekeeping education and training.

Monthly training sessions equip beekeepers with skills in:

Honey harvesting and processing
Hive management
Pest and disease control
Wax and propolis processing
Packaging and value addition

These training sessions have improved the confidence of local beekeepers and strengthened their technical capacity to manage colonies.

Honey Harvesting and Processing

Communities have begun harvesting and processing honey. Some groups have also started marketing honey independently, improving their bargaining power, and opening opportunities for branding and value addition.

Here is a photo of honey being processed.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Regular visits have been conducted in seven villages to track hive occupancy, beekeeper participation, pest challenges, and productivity trends. This ongoing feedback helps the project to adapt and improve implementation strategies.

Environmental and Community Impact

Beyond honey production, the project contributes to environmental conservation and community resilience.

Many beekeepers have planted bee-friendly flowering plants and preserved natural vegetation around hives to improve forage availability. Communities are beginning to recognize the connection between environmental stewardship and sustainable livelihoods.

The project has also strengthened cooperation amongst community groups. Trust, accountability, and collective responsibility have been built through shared activities like hive management, harvesting, and training sessions.

Challenges Faced

The project has faced several challenges, which have sometimes reduced productivity and slowed progress.

Low hive occupancy in some hives
Climate variability affecting flowering season and nectar availability
Pest infestations from ants and wax moths Bee absconding caused by environmental disturbances
Limited participation among some group members
Low motivation from newer beekeepers

Solutions and Ongoing Support

EITZ and local partners have implemented corrective measures to help improve hive stability, beekeeper participation, and project sustainability.

Planting more nectar-rich flowering species near hives
Relocating underperforming hives to areas with higher bee activity
Conducting refresher training sessions on hive management and pest control
Encouraging stronger group governance and regular meetings
Introducing climate adaptation like hive shading and seasonal planning
Supporting communities to explore financial opportunities and government loan programs

Looking Ahead

As the project moves forward, EITZ plans to emphasize long-term sustainability and community ownership. Key priorities include:

Strengthening group leadership and governance structures
Expanding participatory monitoring and evaluation systems
Increasing member involvement in the planning and decision-making process
Building a learning culture within groups
Enhancing value addition and market access opportunities

The vision is to transition from activity-based activities to self-sustaining, community-led beekeeping that continues creating impact long after external support ends.

Thank you for Walking with Us

The progress achieved so far would not be possible without the support of our donors. Your encouragement and generosity are helping families build more resilience livelihoods while protecting the environment for future generations.

Together, we witness how sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and faith-driven community empowerment can transform lives.

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