Status of Beekeeping Industry in Tanzania: Resources, Practices, and Conservation

Beekeeping is a widespread economic activity in rural Tanzania, supporting over 2 million livelihoods. The country's forests and woodlands, covering approximately 55% of its land area, provide habitat for an estimated 9.2 million honeybee colonies. This positions Tanzania as the second-largest honey producer in Africa and tenth globally. Absence of current information and effective policies hinders exploitation of the industry's potential. This review presents scientific insights into Tanzania's beekeeping sector, focusing on honeybee species, bee products, management practices, and conservation. Among three documented subspecies of Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758), A. m. scutellata is the most widespread and commonly managed by indigenous beekeepers. Tanzania annually produces over 31,000 tonnes of honey and 1800 tonnes of beeswax, generating approximately USD 77.5 million and contributing about 1% to national GDP. The industry supports livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity conservation. Its sustained growth requires effective legal and administrative support, expanded scientific research, enhanced innovation, coordinated partnerships, and integrated nationwide initiatives.