In a continued demonstration of its commitment to sustainable community development, Savannah Vision Tanzania has made significant progress in its support for the Hadza Beekeeping Project, a transformative initiative designed to enhance the livelihoods of the Hadza community in Domanga village, located in northern Tanzania’s Eyasi Basin.
Between April 2 and April 4, representatives from Savannah Vision Tanzania conducted an extensive site visit to monitor project progress, engage with community members, and deliver additional beehives to expand the initiative’s reach. The visit also served as a vital opportunity to assess challenges and collaborate with local authorities on future development priorities.
Project Progress and Field Observations
The project, rooted in modern, culturally compatible beekeeping practices, continues to show promising results. All previously donated beehives are now fully colonized by bee populations, marking a major milestone in the initiative’s rollout. Beneficiaries reported successful honey yields, with harvests averaging 15 to 17 kilograms per beehive, reinforcing the viability of beekeeping as a reliable source of food and income for the Hadza community.
However, the project has not been without its challenges. Environmental factors, including strong winds, caused minor disruptions, with three beehives temporarily displaced. Swift response from community members and Savannah Vision staff ensured minimal damage, with the hives quickly restored and repopulated.
Addressing Threats to Bee Health
A more pressing concern identified during the visit was the threat posed by parasitic insects, including dragonflies, wasps, and other species that endanger hive stability. In response, Savannah Vision Tanzania provided targeted training to local beekeepers, emphasizing the importance of routine hive inspections, maintenance, and early intervention strategies to prevent hive losses.
Expanding Impact and Community Engagement
In a significant development, five additional Hadza households were included as new beneficiaries of the beekeeping program, bringing the total number of participating households to 11. The expansion reflects both the success of the initial phase and growing community interest in the project. Requests for additional support underscore the importance of scaling the initiative to reach more families in need.
Infrastructure and Agricultural Developments
Beyond beekeeping, Savannah Vision Tanzania’s visit also highlighted broader changes within Domanga village. Community leaders confirmed the upcoming connection of the village to Tanzania’s national electricity grid, a development that promises to unlock new opportunities in education, agriculture, and local enterprise.
Meanwhile, local farmers continue to face challenges related to unpredictable weather patterns and wildlife encroachment, impacting food security. These concerns are being taken into account as Savannah Vision Tanzania and local partners consider complementary agroecological interventions to bolster community resilience.
Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Key meetings were held with the Village Executive Secretary and the District Development Director, reinforcing a collaborative approach to long-term development. Discussions focused on educational infrastructure, including the potential construction of new learning facilities that would support both the Hadza and surrounding communities. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of integrated planning to safeguard the community’s cultural integrity while advancing socioeconomic development.
Looking Ahead
Savannah Vision Tanzania’s latest engagement in Domanga village reflects a broader vision for inclusive, sustainable progress that honors the Hadza people’s deep-rooted connection to their environment. As the Hadza Beekeeping Project continues to evolve, its success serves as a model for culturally respectful, community-led development that addresses both livelihoods and ecological stewardship.
Through strategic partnerships, grassroots involvement, and a commitment to environmental harmony, Savannah Vision Tanzania remains dedicated to empowering Tanzania’s most marginalized communities.
For further information or to support this initiative, please contact:
Public Relations
📧 Email: info@savannahvisiontz.org
📞 Phone: +255 746 355 981
Assembling beehives at the village
More beehives for Hadza
We donated more beehives for Hadza. We believe that the beehives donated will add happiness to receiving households.
Meeting with Community Development Department Staff
We had a brief discussion with staff of Community Development Department at the Dongobash Council. We introduced our plan for supporting marginalized communities in the Eyasi area. The staff promised us cooperation to ensure that our collective initiatives bring the best outcomes
The Bridge at Eshikesh Broke down due to Heavy rains.
This bridge was constructed 1 year ago. The bridge is very important in connecting Domanga village by road with other areas. The bridge repair has restated. restoration of this this bridge will bring happiness to Domangans
Construction of the bridge at Eshkesh road section
Construction is ongoing at Eshikesh to improve connectivity between Domanga and other areas. This will speed up economic and social development.
Discusion with Acting Director-Dongobesh District Council
We had a very uplifting discussion with the Acting District Development Director. He promised support for our initiatives for marginalized communities
Making Beehives
In our visit to Domanga village we brought beehives to be donated to Hadza households. A total of five more households received modern beehives. The community of beekeepers has increased to 11 households. Our plan is to add more beehives and equipment.
Women are among receivers of our beehives
Among people who received beehives gender was also considered. We hope the women will make good use f their beehives.
Farming
This is one of the Hadza household farm. The sunflower plants show some signal of stress due to shortage of rainfall-mainly due to uneven distribution through time. Ntua household is a hard working household and a good example to fellow Hadza.
