Twenty five community groups with a total of 681 members, operating under FLORESTA TANZANIA in Same District of the Kilimanjaro Region, have been equipped with 250 modern beehives in collaboration with plant with purpose and UNEP under the Mountains ADAPT initiative. This support is intended to scale an already existing practice among Floresta participants in the area of livelihood and environmental conservation, where beekeeping has long been used as a nature friendly solution to improve income and restore the environment.
Each participating group received training on bee farming and was given 10 beehives along with a protective bee suit to make honey harvesting safe. This support is part of a larger effort to promote beekeeping as a climate smart activity that helps both people and the environment. The project aims to increase honey production for households while reducing pressure on natural forests.
Alongside the equipment, all groups are receiving practical training. The sessions focus on environmentally responsible beekeeping, hive construction, safe harvesting methods and the use of other valuable bee products such as beeswax, pollen and propolis. Members are also learning value addition techniques that can help them earn more from honey and related products, creating a stronger foundation for economic resilience.
Beekeeping remains one of the most sustainable livelihood options for mountain communities as It promotes forest protection, supports pollination and encourages households to conserve their natural surroundings aligning with both UNEP and FLORESTA TANZANIA’s goals.
Through the Mountains ADAPT project, the beekeeping component is being strengthened further to help families living in fragile mountain ecosystems address the challenges of drought, deforestation, and changing weather conditions, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
This initiative builds on Floresta Tanzania’s long standing commitment to community-led natural resource management. By strengthening an existing livelihood activity rather than introducing a new one, the project ensures that communities can grow from familiar practices while deepening their environmental stewardship. The approach aligns with Floresta Tanzania’s broader mission of supporting families to restore ecosystems, conserve forest landscapes, and improve their overall wellbeing.
As the Mountains ADAPT project continues, the beekeeping component is expected to play a key role in helping mountain households diversify their income, protect biodiversity, and contribute to healthier, more sustainable landscapes. It is a practical demonstration of how well-supported community action can create lasting impact in areas facing increasing climate pressures.