Potentials and challenges of beekeeping industry in Balang’dalalu ward, Hanang’ district in Manyara, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines production status and identifies challenges facing beekeeping industry in Hanang’ District. The study involved 94 bee keepers and 5 key informants. Primary data from the subjects were collected by questionnaires and on site physical observations. Data were analyzed by using (SPSS 11.5). Results show that 34.0 % of the respondents produce less than 100 kilograms (kgs) of honey and 29.8% of them produce 1-10 kgs of beeswax per year respectively. On the other hand 62.8% and 30.9% of beekeepers have productivity of honey and beeswax ranging between 11-20 kgs and 0.6-1 kgs respectively. Nevertheless, 29.8% and 1.5% of the respondents have productivity ranging between 21-30 kgs and 0.6-2 kgs of honey and beeswax respectively. This amount is higher compared to estimated national production capacity of 15 kgs of honey and 1 kg of bees wax per hive per year. Major challenges in business of honey and beeswax production include unreliable markets, low production knowledge/skills, lack of value adding mechanisms and lack of capital for quality improvement and market expansion. This study therefore recommends provision of appropriate capacity building and financial support to beekeepers in order to optimize production of bee products in the study area.