FAO, EU hand over modern equipment to beekeepers

This comes as part of capacity building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements in African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries – Phase III (ACP-MEAs 3) project funded by the EU.

Speaking at the event yesterday, FAO Country Representative Dr Nyabenyi Tipo said that the beekeeping equipment which include beehives, protective gear, smokers and hive tools will not only increase honey production but also enable beekeepers to process honey efficiently and result in a higher quality product that meets local and international standards.

She noted that beekeeping is a cornerstone in balancing ecological sustainability with economic development and has been identified as a vital alternative livelihood activity to protect pollinators, contribute to forest conservation and improve economic and nutrition status of small-scale producers in the project sites.

Dr Tipo said beekeepers will also receive comprehensive training on sustainable beekeeping practices, hive management, and the importance of pollinators in agriculture. This will facilitate the adoption of environmentally-friendly and sustainable beekeeping practices, promoting well-being of both the bees and the ecosystem.

She said that while forests including mangroves, provide homes for countless species, buffers against coastal erosion, and mitigate climate change, they face numerous threats from deforestation to pollution.

“This is where beekeeping comes into play as powerful tools for biodiversity conservation. Often underestimated, beekeeping is a cornerstone in balancing ecological sustainability with economic development,” she said.

Dr Tipo said that bees as nature’s pollinators are essential for reproduction of numerous plant species, including those found in mangrove ecosystems, adding that promoting beekeeping in and around mangrove areas enhances pollination, leading to increased plant diversity, food and nutrition security and environmental conservation.

According to her, reports show that Tanzania’s food and agriculture biodiversity is threatened by an increasing population, which in turn leads to overexploitation, pollution, increased use of chemical pesticides, and genetic erosion of crops, livestock, trees and fish.

“Therefore, the need to use and conserve biodiversity for food and agriculture on a sustainable basis cannot be over-emphasized. Restoring and protecting Tanzania’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity requires a good understanding and knowledge of the resource base and capacity to do so,” she said.

She said to help tackle the challenges, FAO and EU support environmental sustainability through improved governance and implementation of multilateral environmental agreements to heighten conservation of nature and improve incomes to locals.

“We are committed to fostering partnerships with local communities, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations to ensure success and sustainability of beekeeping subsector,” she said.

Christine Grau, EU ambassador to Tanzania, reiterated the union’s commitment to development cooperation in Tanzania, including support to environment management.

“Let me reassure you about EU’s commitment to continue these efforts. The EU has ratified many multilateral environmental agreements and has been in the forefront to encourage other partner countries, including Tanzania to ratify and implement them,” she said.

Dr Tipo said that in most parts of the country, including the project sites, beekeeping is practised with traditional beehives with low productivity and no adequate processing means, resulting in limited access to formal markets.

The collaborative efforts between FAO and the EU mark a significant milestone in promoting sustainable beekeeping, environmental sustainability, and community resilience across the country, leading to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Erasto Kiwale, Kigamboni District Executive Director (DED) thanked FAO and EU for bringing the MEAS 3 project which he said has not only restored degraded land but also skills that help staff and citizens prioritize environmental conservation on a daily basis.

“The transformation of beekeeping in Kigamboni is a step towards creating a more resilient and prosperous future for the local beekeepers. This initiative will not only elevate their livelihoods but also contribute to the broader goal of environmental conservation,” said Kiwale.