Women transforming their lives and that of communities through beekeeping in Tanzania.

According to a World Bank 2022 report “17 th Tanzania Economic Update”, Tanzania has made essential achievements in expanding women’s economic opportunities over the past 20 years. The female labor force participation rate rose from 67% in 2000 to 80% in 2019, well above the average of 63% for Sub-Saharan Africa and among the highest rates on the continent. While this progress has contributed to the country’s sustained economic growth, culminating in its transition from low-income to lower-middle-income status in July 2020, unfortunately, several constraints hinder the ability of Tanzanian women to realize their full economic potential. Addressing these could significantly accelerate the country’s economic development and poverty reduction, with potentially a boost of 0.86% to its annual GDP from bridging the gap in agricultural productivity alone.

Despite these constraints, women have played an instrumental role in engaging in agriculture and other economic activities to support their families and improve the livelihoods of their communities. This article´s industrial sector of focus is the beekeeping value chain that has demonstrated economic gain for the communities in which SMEs operate but also plays an instrumental role in environmental conservation through bee pollination. Bees have a vital role to play in conservation because their activity helps natural vegetation to grow and most crucial, where land has been degraded. Tanzania has a growing and thriving beekeeping sector, employing 2 million people in the production and sale of bee-related products. There is potential for growth to meet the demand for honey and medicinal beeswax products in Tanzania and across Africa. And the potential rewards go far beyond the revenue generated.

Introducing Mwangaza Honey and Food Processing company that produces ‘Mwangaza Pure Honey’. Mwangaza Honey and Food Processing is a respected company with over two decades of experience. The SME is a cooperative that is led and owned by women, the company takes pride in producing Mwangaza Pure Honey, along with other organic and natural food products.

Mwangaza honey is sourced from hives carefully placed in the untouched and unspoiled Tanzanian wilderness, far away from artificial chemicals, pesticides, and plastic pollution. The company selects locations for its apiaries strategically, ensuring the most natural environment with minimal exposure to agricultural chemicals.

From hive to bottle, the company delivers its products in their purest form – Halal Honey. “Our honey is rich in beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and nutrients, and we keep it that way.

Our bees are never treated with chemical or organic acids, and they feed on their honey, free from added sugar” - Amina Hassan Madeleka, Founding Member and Chair of Mwangaza Honey and Food Processing.

The company’s key priority is the health and well-being of its bee colonies through frequent hive inspections and modern beekeeping techniques that minimize stress and promote thriving colonies. “Our honey undergoes refinement using the latest filtration technology, preserving its wholesome freshness and natural enzymes” added Amina Hassan Madeleka.

One of the most notable impacts the cooperative has contributed to is the improved conservation of forest and bee resources in the Tabora Region, where their hives are sited, and improved income and quality of living of its members, especially women. “As the beekeeper, processor, packager, and distributor, we have complete control over the quality and purity of our products. Choose Mwangaza Pure Honey for an exceptional honey experience that stands out on the top shelf”. - Amina Hassan Madeleka.