February 10, 2024.
In January 2024, Savannah Vision Tanzania began preparations for a transformative modern beekeeping project aimed at supporting the Hadza communities of the Eyasi Basin. This initiative marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and indigenous livelihoods.
As part of the project, 30 modern beehives will be donated to selected Hadza households—20 of which have already been completed. The remaining 10 are expected to be finalized by May 2023. To fully implement the project, we are actively seeking financial contributions and partnership support.
The Hadza, with a population of approximately 1,200 individuals, are recognized as one of the world’s last remaining hunter-gatherer societies and the oldest indigenous tribe in Tanzania. Originating from the Eyasi Basin, their traditional lifestyle depends on wild honey collection, hunting, and foraging. However, this way of life is increasingly under threat due to habitat destruction, poaching, and encroachment from agricultural and pastoralist communities.
Thanks to the efforts of conservation partners and NGOs, 40,000 acres of land have been secured for the Hadza’s traditional use and preservation. Building on this foundation, Savannah Vision Tanzania is launching a pilot phase of the modern beekeeping project in Domanga village, set to begin in June 2023.
Project Overview
The pilot project includes three key components:
- Training Hadza community members in modern beekeeping practices and hive management
- Distributing and installing 30 modern beehives across selected households (three hives per household)
- Establishing a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure sustainability and effectiveness
Our dedicated team—including a skilled carpenter—will transport the beehives over 280 kilometers to Domanga village for on-site assembly and installation. In addition, we plan to supply:
- Beekeeping starter kits
- Honey harvesting suits
- A centrifuge machine for honey extraction
- Hygienic packaging containers to ensure quality and market readiness
Ongoing technical guidance and support will be provided to participating households to help ensure successful hive management and honey production.
Long-Term Vision
Insights gained from the pilot phase will inform the development of a comprehensive 5- to 10-year strategy, with the objective of expanding the program to include more Hadza households. Beyond hive provision, we aim to assist with market access for honey, creating sustainable income streams while preserving the Hadza’s cultural heritage and connection to the land.
This initiative is rooted in research conducted since 2014, reflecting Savannah Vision Tanzania’s long-term dedication to meaningful, community-driven change. We believe that modern beekeeping can become a powerful tool for enhancing food security, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship for the Hadza people.
We warmly invite individuals, organizations, and partners to support this important endeavor.
For more information or to support the project, please contact:
Public Relations
📧 Email: info@savannahvisiontz.org
📞 Phone: +255 746 355 981
