AUTHORITIES in Mkuranga District have called on beekeepers to embrace value addition in order to maximize profits from their products.

Mkuranga District Council Executive Director Omary Mwanga made the remarks yesterday during early commemorations of World Bee Day in the district which brought together various local beekeeping groups.

Mwanga emphasized that beekeeping should go beyond just harvesting honey. He encouraged entrepreneurs in the sector to explore the full range of bee products and adopt innovative approaches that increase both output and income.

“Don’t focus only on honey—there are many other valuable by-products that can be extracted and processed. Let’s include these in our business plans to enhance productivity and competitiveness,” he said.

He further advised beekeepers to promote their products more aggressively to attract new customers while assuring them that the government was working to bring opportunities closer to grassroots producers in the apiculture sector.

Mwanga also recommended a shift in how such commemorative events are organized. Instead of being mere celebrations, he suggested they be structured as strategic workshops with actionable resolutions to drive growth in the sector.

“These events should serve as platforms for experts to share skills and knowledge with beekeepers, helping them improve their operations and generate tangible economic benefits,” he noted.

Asted William, Acting head of the district's forest conservation unit, reported that over the past five years, the district has established 1,015 modern beehives and 72 traditional ones, producing a total of 3,000 kilogrammes—or three tonnes—of honey.

William thanked the government for prioritizing the beekeeping sector by creating an enabling environment that has opened international markets, including China, for Tanzanian honey.

He also announced that Tanzania has been honoured with the opportunity to host a major international conference that will bring together global stakeholders in the beekeeping industry.

However, he cautioned that climate change—exacerbated by destructive practices such as wildfires and unprofessional honey harvesting methods—remains a serious challenge to sustainable beekeeping.