Tanzania Beekeeping Production Initiatives for Sustainable Industrial Development.

Abstract

This paper explored the potential initiatives, opportunities and challenges faced by bee and honey producers in Dodoma region in relation to industrial development. The study employed the cross sectional design in collecting primary data from various bee and honey firms in region for the year 2016/2017. A sample of 55 bee and honey firms was randomly selected and involved in the study. Descriptive analysis was used in analyzing the data in which descriptive statistics and features such as means, bar charts and tables were used in presenting the study findings. Findings of the study indicated that, availability of water and potential flowering plants, good linkage with other small industries and availability of both local and international markets were the most potential opportunities for producers. Furthermore, establishment of bee keeping association, training and government support were the initiatives mostly recommended by beekeepers. However, the use of traditional technology in bee keeping and lacks of support from the government were found to be the most challenging factors to beekeepers. Based on these findings, the study recommends the government through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and private sector to build capacity to beekeepers on the application of modern beekeeping technologies including the use of frame and plastic bar beehives and access to both domestic and foreign markets. Furthermore, efforts of strengthening the existing initiatives by the government and other stakeholders are highly recommended in order to facilitate the process of converting these challenges into opportunities to beekeepers.