RUKWA: The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has introduced beekeeping tourism in the Southern Highlands region of Rukwa to showcase honey production.
TFS Senior Official, Mr Daniel Dotto, revealed that a beekeeping farm has been established in Kalambo Natural Reserve Forest, Kalambo district, along with the distribution of 500 modern beehives.
“This initiative aims to promote beekeeping tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to engage in beekeeping activities while learning about the ecological aspects of honey production,” he stated.
Kalambo District TFS Chief Conservation Officer, Mr Ibrahim Mkiwa, highlighted that the introduction of beekeeping tourism is part of broader efforts to support the government’s initiative in promoting the region’s abundant tourist destinations.
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In December, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, during the launch of the Conservation and Tourism Award in Arusha, emphasized the significant role of the natural resources and tourism sector in the national economy.
He noted that the sector contributes 21.5 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with 17.2 per cent from tourism and 4.3 per cent from forestry and beekeeping.
Additionally, the sector generates 30.9 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, with 25 per cent attributed to tourism and 5.9 per cent to forestry and beekeeping.
Prime Minister Majaliwa highlighted the remarkable growth of the sector, noting that international tourist arrivals increased by 96 per cent, from 922,692 in 2021 to 1,808,205 in 2023.
He also credited the President’s visionary efforts for a 68.2 per cent rise in revenue from international tourism, which grew from 2 billion US dollars in 2021 to 3.4 billion US dollars in 2023.
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Beekeeping tourism plays a crucial role in diversifying the country’s tourism sector while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
By integrating beekeeping into the tourism experience, Tanzania not only attracts eco-conscious travelers but also creates opportunities for rural communities to engage in profitable activities.
The introduction of beekeeping tourism boosts local economies by creating jobs and generating income from both tourism and the sale of honey and related products, which can significantly improve livelihoods in the regions involved.
Furthermore, beekeeping tourism contributes to the broader goals of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
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As tourists engage with beekeeping activities, they become more aware of the ecological importance of pollination, honey production, and forest conservation.
This heightened awareness can foster a greater appreciation for Tanzania’s natural resources, supporting both conservation efforts and the sustainable management of the country’s rich biodiversity.
In turn, this enhances Tanzania’s appeal as a destination for eco-tourism while strengthening its position in the global market.
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