AN INVESTIGATION ON THE CHALLENGES FACING BEEKEEPERS ON HONEY

PRODUCTION IN TANZANIA: A CASE OF TUMBI VILLAGE

PREPARED

BY

SILA KIBUGU

ARCHBISHOP MIHAYO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF TABORA

CHAPTER ONE
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1.0 Introduction.

This chapter is composed of the following sections: Background to the problem, Statement of the
problem, purpose of the study, research objectives, research questions, scope of the study,
significance of the study, definition of terms as well as conceptual framework. In each section,
there will be the required explanation for the purpose of giving more and appropriate information
on the study.

1.1. Background to the Study

Honey production has a long and valid history. Almost every society on Earth has known and
used honey. In many cultures, honey has been used as a food. Honey is also used as a medicine
that used to bring good luck from harm as well as symbolizes sweetness of every kind. Cave
paintings near Valencia in Spain depict men gathering honey from15000 years ago (Crane 1999
cited by Jane, 2010).Tanzania is surrounded with favorable environment for the production of
honey, beeswax and other bee products. The country has about 33.5million hectares of forests
and woodlands that are scattered throughout the country and, which are ideal for developing
beekeeping industry (Marjo and Feek, 2010).

Almost 20.5 million hectares out of this area comprise unreserved forests woodlands and 13
million hectares of forest and woodland have forest reserves. More than 80, 000 hectares forest
reserves consist of forest plantations that are also suitable for beekeeping. The mangrove
forests of mainland Tanzania that covers about115500 hectares are also valuable as bee fodder
(Mustalahti and Lund, 2010). The greater honey guides human to wild bee hives and this
behavior may have evolve with early hominids. So far, the oldest remains of honey have been
found in the country of Georgia.

Archaeologists’ have found honey remains on the inner surface of clay vessels unearthed in an
ancient tomb dating back some 4,700-5500 years. In ancient Georgia, honey ware packed for
people’s journeys into the afterlife, and more than one type, too- along for the trip were linden,
berry and a meadow-flower variety. (Diamond, 2003).

In Ethiopia, beekeeping has been practiced for centuries and its potential is well documented. Of
all the countries in the world, no country has such a long tradition of beekeeping than Ethiopia

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(Nebiyu, Messele, 2000). Despite its long history, beekeeping in Ethiopia is still an undeveloped
sector of agriculture. The knowledge and skill of honey and beeswax production of Ethiopian
farmers is still very traditional (MoARD (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development)
(2003).

Beekeeping in Kenya used to be a rural enterprise which contributed significantly to improved

livelihoods of most rural communities in Kenya. Now it is a commercial industry that has really
grown since many industries are using bee products. A National Beekeeping Policy in Kenya has
been put in place and a monitoring plan highlighting best practices in the honey industry, with
quality and standards as the core objects. The quality assurance laboratory at the National
Beekeeping Station in Kenya is now fully equipped to offer analytical services in honey residues
to all the players in the honey industry. Beekeeping is now becoming an important industry
Kenya (Kuria, 2015).

Kuria, (2015) states that Beekeeping in Kenya has been practiced over the years. However only
20% of the country’s honey production potential estimated at 100,000 metric tons has been
tapped. Kenya consists of 80% arid and semi-arid lands which have high potential in production
of honey. Non arid and semi-arid regions also practice beekeeping. Modern beekeeping in Kenya
started in the late 1960s and has since become an important enterprise in the livestock sub-sector.
80% of the honey in Kenya comes from the traditional log hive. Also a reasonable amount of
hive products is obtained from Kenya Top Bar and Lang troth hives

In Miombo woodlands of Tanzania Monela et al , (2000) found that household derive more than
50% of their cash from selling forest or non-wood products such as honey, wild fruits, charcoal
and firewood. Honey appeared to be the woodland products with very high significant
contribution to cash income in six village of Dodoma, Iringa and Morogoro (Monela et al, 2000)

1.2 Statement of the problem

There has been an increase of honey production in Tabora region for many years and plays a
great role in providing crucial income to support the costs of essential services (e.g. healthcare
and education) and sustain environmental conservation like trees and bees. However the
opportunities to maximize these benefits are not being taken. Although BEE is demonstrating the

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positive impact of an improved value chain for beekeepers and supplies, only a small number of
beekeepers are benefiting compared to potential numbers and volume. Therefore, honey
production improves people’s quality of life and establishes efficient systems for collection,
payment and transportation. This increase volume for local sale and export, and benefit larger
numbers of poor beekeepers by assuring them of reliable and profitable markets in Tabora.
Therefore the study intends to explore challenges among the beekeepers in Tabora specifically in
Tumbi village.

1.3 Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study is to find out the challenges face beekeepers on honey production in
Tumbi village.

1.4 Objectives of the study

1.4.1 General objective of the study

The general objective of the study is to find out the challenges face beekeepers on honey
production in Tumbi village.

1.4.2 specific Objectives of the study

(i) To find out the activities involved when managing bees for honey production.

(ii) To find out whether there are challenges facing beekeepers in Tumbi village.

(iii) To identify solutions on challenges facing bee keepers in Tumbi village.

1.5 Research Questions

(i) What are the activities involved when managing bees for honey production?

(ii) What are the challenges facing beekeepers in Tumbi village?

(iii) What are the solutions to the challenges faced by beekeepers in Tumbi village?

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1.6 Scope of the Study

The study will be conducted in Tabora region specifically in Tumbi village in which Beekeeping
is pronounced to take place. With consideration to the presence of Tumbi agricultural college
whose influence is upon beekeeping and animal husbandry and thus the study is scoped to the
investigation on challenges facing beekeepers on honey production in Tumbi village.

1.7 Study area

The study will be conducted in Tabora municipality which seems to have an increased number of
rising beekeeper and dominant sellers of bees products. Primarily the study will be done to assess
the availability of beekeepers in Tumbi village, challenges facing them in the whole process
beekeeping and the possible solutions to the challenges

1.8 Significance of the study

The study expects to:

Tell whether there are beekeepers in Tumbi village so as to be aware with honey production and
improving honey production in relation of raising life standard of their people.

Solve challenges facing honey production and to promote issue of honey production by using
policy maker to put much emphasize on honey production and beekeepers so as to eradicate
poverty among people in Tumbi village.

Promote beekeepers to overcome the challenges which concerning honey production hence, the
government should plan this and make sure that beekeepers are joining in small groups and make
SACCOS which will give a chance of getting loan from financial institutions like Bank, in order
to have good living condition, educating their children’s, diseases and poverty eradication.

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Assist stakeholders in different levels from lower level to National level to plan on how to use
modern hives and eradicate traditional hives in future. To every level a strategic plan concerning
promoting honey production should be prepared; this should be participatory plan so as to be
implemented properly.

1.9 Definition of Terms

The honey bee is a social insect that lives in large colonies made up of 20,000 to 80,000
individuals
Apiary is a location where bees are kept

1.10 Conceptual framework

Conceptual framework (figure 1) shows challenges faced by beekeepers in production and
marketing of honey as key products of bees. These challanges include primary and secondary
challanges. Primary challanges forms the basic set of instrument used in production and
marketing of product. Secondary challanges on other hand facilitate primary challanges. Both
primary and secondary challenges can lead to poor production and marketing of honey. However
through interventions such as appropriate policy, legal institution, good infrastructure, well
established information system and improved environment could improve production and
marketing of honey

Challenges facing beekeepers

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Primary challanges Secondary challenges

Capital Storage of product, and

Labour Packaging technology.
Technology in production
Distribution channels Transportation facilities
Market prices Quality standard
Social and cultural aspects

Adminisrative measures
 Markert policy
 Legal institutions
 Infrastructure
 Information system

Reduction of challenges to beekeepers and increase in Production and Market

system

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

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2.1 Introduction

This chapter contains the review of related literature. Specifically it presents what others have
said and written about beekeeping in relation to the challenges facing bee keeper in the whole
process of harnessing bee products

2.2.1 The activities involved when managing bees for honey production

From 2003 to 2008, ACCB (Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity) carried out a
comprehensive beekeeping and sustainable honey harvesting programme. The bee project, one of
the first of its kind in Cambodia, was mainly funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische
Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).The project was designed to promote and disseminate instruction on
appropriate technology beekeeping with the Asian Hive Honeybee, rafter beekeeping with the
Giant Asian Honeybee, sustainable honey harvesting involving all local honeybee species,
adequate honey and wax processing was the activities highlighted to be undertaken by
beekeepers when managing a well and quality control and marketing of the products. For
ecological reasons, the bee programme solely worked with local stocks of native bees and
disapproved the importation or use of the exotic European Honeybee (ACCB, 2017)

In Cambodia, The first activity the new beekeeper must make is finding a good location for
hives. There are different factors that make a beehive location successful. There are also other
questions about location to consider. It is stated that, choosing a location that is as close to your
home is possible and less costful as per the reason that, the closer the hive is to your house, the
more convenient your storage area will be and the less time you’ll spend traveling to and from
your hive. If they are nearby, you will be able to inspect them more often (Hong, 2016).

From the literature above the activity of finding a god location is very vital for complying with
the cost reduction challenge is issues of transportation and travel to and from the hive for
monitoring

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As per, Hong (2016) honeybees have a huge role in the ecosystems of tropical climates, thus an
activity for monitoring the production activity should be undertaken to do away with illegal
logging and unsustainable honey harvesting activity which hurt the bee population. Honeybees
have co-evolved with flowering plants, and their overall health is an indicator of an ecosystem's
well-being. Damian Magista, a specialist on honeybees and the founder of Bee Local, who
recently returned from a trip to Cambodia, told VOA Khmer that he is concerned about a decline
in the honeybee population as a factor contributed by poor hive location.

It is reviewed that with the decline of ecological diversity and the continuation of traditional
honey hunting practices bees are losing grounds, which can wipe out entire colonies.

This seem not to be occurring in Tanzania, as the number of tree species found in Tanzania
differs from those stated in the tropical climate of America

Cambodia has two species, Apis dorsata and Apis florea, which are found mostly in Southeast
Asia. The dorsata species, or giant honeybee, can produce a honeycomb up to three meters long.

According to Van,(2015), Most beekeepers do assemble pre-cut beehive equipment at some

time. Others go farther by manufacturing their own equipment. In either case, it is important to
use standard dimensions and assembly methods to ensure that the equipment will be
interchangeable, strong and durable. This publication offers dimensions and designs of
individual hive parts, and a few assembly hints. In Canada, the Langstroth movable-frame hive
has been adopted as the hive standard. This hive design provides simplicity of construction and
ease of manipulation, permitting rapid inspection and interchange of frames. Well-constructed
equipment pays off in ease of management, and retains its resale value.

In fact, that would be a reason why the number of beekeepers is on the rise from 2009 to 2015 in
Canada and thus, there has been a steady increase in the number of beekeepers. Nova Scotia saw
the largest increase in the number of beekeepers in 2013, up 16%. Ontario continues to have the
largest number of beekeepers, with 3,150 of the 8,483 operating in Canada. Alberta remains the
province with the largest number of colonies, at over 280,000. Canada is a net exporter of honey.
The United States is the largest export destination for Canadian honey, accounting for 77% of all
honey exports. Japan and China are the second and third largest export destinations respectively.

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2.2.2 Beekeeping in Ethiopia
Beekeeping in Ethiopia is long standing and deep rooted household activity for rural
communities of Ethiopia where millions of honeybee colonies are kept in traditional hives in
backyard and in forest using different management practices at different geographical locations (
Girma,(1998). Ethiopia is country with different agroecologies, which sustain various vegetation,
and agricultural crops, which produce nectar and pollen for honeybees (Kassaye, 2003).

In the process of keeping bees there must the activity to construct boxes for bees. These boxes
need to be painted and this for the purpose of ensuring its longevity. Hive bodies must be treated
with wood preservative or paint. Application of a good quality latex (or alkyd) base paint,
followed by an exterior latex paint is very important for ensuring longevity. Alternatively,
beekeeper should apply an exterior wood stain. Instead of using paints or stains, supers may be
dipped in a bath of hot paraffin for several minutes. Over time, the supers will acquire a
‘weathered’ grayish look. It is recommended to dip the supers again after several years. The
service life of supers treated with hot paraffin is comparable to paint or stain.

The overall honeybee colonies present in Ethiopia are estimated to be over 10 million (Adgaba
2002). Amhara Regional State is endowed with varied agroecological zones that are suitable for
beekeeping and sustains different local honeybees. About 1.03 million honeybee colonies are
estimated to be found in the region, which is a real reflection of the potentiality of the region.
Beekeepers have also better knowledge to identify honeybee ecotypes and manage their
honeybee colonies. In the eastern part of the region, large areas of inaccessible lands for crop
cultivation and livestock grazing (along escarpments, hills, and undulating mountains) are
covered with various types of bushes, which are potential for beekeeping (CSA - Central
Statistical Authority, 2013). Hence, the study would contribute much in generating appropriate
information on honeybee ecotypes found and their behavior in the eastern parts of Amhara
Region, Ethiopia.

Honeybees, like all other living things, vary among themselves in traits such as temperament,
disease resistance, and productivity. The environment has a large effect on differences among
honeybee colonies, but the genetic makeup of a colony can also impact the characteristics that

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define a particular group. Beekeepers have knowledge about different genetic stocks that have
distinctive characteristics, so they have utilized different strains to suit their particular purpose:
whether it is honeybee pollination, a honey crop, or bee production (Pinto, 2013).

Though the color, size, and distribution of some races in the country are documented, their
performance was not well studied so far. Therefore, performance evaluation of this honeybee
race in its natural agro ecological distribution is very crucial to assess the potentiality of the races
(local honeybees) and to lay foundation for future selection and improvement of the local
honeybees. This research study was undertaken to identify local honeybees and their behavior
based on beekeepers indigenous knowledge in Eastern Amhara Region of Ethiopia for further
on-station and on-farm evaluation and intensification of beekeeping.

2.2.3 Beekeeping in Uganda

A report by MAAIF, (2000) from Uganda discusses that In order to promote diversification in
agriculture and reduce poverty in Uganda; beekeeping is one of the major agricultural activities
being upheld by the government programmes of poverty alleviation (MAAIF 2000). It offers a
great potential for income generation, poverty alleviation, sustainable use of forest resources and
diversifying the export base.

In the whole process, the activity of making Hepo (mzinga) is pronounced. And during the long
dry season in the forest the bark of O. welwitschii is mostly used. A local explained his thoughts
on why one should cut down O.welwitschii before removing its bark: If you remove bark from
standing O. welwitschii, the tree would be dead while it is still standing. But if you cut down the
tree, many new shoots would come out from its stump. By cutting down the trees before
removing the bark, people are ensuring the renewal of the trees (Commonwealth 2002).

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Men removing the bark from O.welwitschii

The second activity is to remove the bark from the tree trunk. To this end, theyfirst make
horizontal notches on the trunk in 80–90 cm intervals with a hatchet, locally called gajara. Then
they make vertical notches, and remove the bark using a stick (Yoshimasa, 2014).

The third step is shaping the removed bark into tubes with thick vines and the fourth activity is
weathering. The tubes are left in the forest for 2–3 months. Some are left in sunny places and
some are placed on tree branches
The fourth activity is enfolding the dried tubes in culm sheaths of bamboo, A. alpina. These are
collected from forests at an altitude of around 2800 m or bought at a weekly market. Then people
bring them into the forest
The most important service the honeybees render to mankind is pollination of agricultural and
forestry crops (FAO 1990; Commonwealth 2002). In contrast with other agricultural projects
such as livestock, poultry and fish farming, beekeeping is a relatively low investment venture
that can be undertaken by most people (women, youths, the disabled and the elderly). With

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beekeeping, there is no competition for resources used by other forms of agriculture.
Additionally, it is environmentally friendly and can be productive even in semi-arid areas that
are unsuitable for other agricultural use (FAO 1990). There is availability of market for bee
products both locally and internationally (UEPB 2005), and it is important to note that
pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries utilize bee products such as honey, royal jelly, beeswax
and propolis (UEPB 2005).
 
In recent years, livestock production with potential application of modern technologies has
technically advanced. However, satisfying the basic needs of the rural people to improve their
standards of living is still a challenge despite technological advances (Kugonza 2009).
Beekeeping as an important area of livestock agriculture has not received sufficient attention in
the past (Matanmi 2008) as it does presently. It has been promoted widely in many countries as a
major rural development engine (Bees for development 2000). Not only does the practice of
beekeeping have intrinsic health benefits through providing a food source of great nutritional
value which is lacking in rural areas, but also requires few inputs and capitalizes on a ready
supply of pollen and nectar from crops they pollinate (NET Uganda 2002).
 
Beekeeping is emerging as a very successful agricultural practice for rural area based people in
less developed countries mainly due to its economic benefits from the products of this practice
(Kugonza 2009). In Uganda, honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom are the major
financial products (Kamatara 2006), with pollination as the major biodiversity benefit (Delaplane
2008). Since food security cannot be achieved without income security, beekeeping could be a
useful tool for improving rural economy; however, people are reluctant on taking up this
enterprise.
 
A general comment as per Agricultural researchers reviewed under this study is that not only the
less emphasis which has been given to the assessment on the modern methods of bee farming
especially in developing countries where the scholars and policy makers have not been able to
adequately demonstrate the importance of these modern methods to livelihoods.

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Modern beekeeping can easily be embarked on because investment is low; it does not require
large area of land and there is no need for daily care. Adopting improved technologies and
improved management practices would greatly improve the yields and quality of honey. Even
though considerable attention is given in reports and documents to the significance of
beekeeping in Uganda, little research and development in beekeeping has been conducted.
Efforts to increase production would require proper assessment of the factors affecting the
adoption of beekeeping and associated technologies. It is this research gap that prompted the
curiosity of this study in Tanzania.

2.2.4 Beekeeping in Tanzania

Beekeeping in Tanzania is carried out using traditional methods that account for 99% of the total
production of honey and beeswax in the country (Kajembe, 1994).Approximately 95% of all
hives are traditional including log and bark hives. Others are reeds, gourds and pots. During the
colonial and early independence period, production of bee products was higher than what we
have now and was among the important non-wood products from the forests with a higher
contribution to the national GDP and international trade (Kihwele, 2000).

Tanzania (i.e. thenTanganyika) was an important source of beeswax during the Germany
colonial period (Ntenga, 1976). The production of beeswax from Tanzania increased from 320 to
905 tonnes during 1906 to 1952. Honey was estimated at an annual average production of 10 000
tonnes, all consumed locally (Kajembe, 1994). Following independence in 1961, a marketing
organization of honey and beeswax was formed.
According to Ntenga (1976), Tanzanian exports averaged 368 tones of beeswax and 3467 tonnes
of honey this could be due to reliable market of honey and beeswax in German during colonial
periods and well-organized market system.

Tanzania is endowed with favourable environment for the production of honey, beeswax and
other bee products. Miombo and Acacia woodlands, which are found throughout the country, are
ideal for developing beekeeping industry (MNRT, 2004). Over 95% of beekeeping in Tanzania
is practiced in Savannah forests miombo woodland (MNRT, 2001a).

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According to the URT (1998a), it is estimated that production potentials of bee products in the
country are about 138 000 tons of honey and 9 200 tons of beeswax per annum from the
estimated potential number of 9.2 million honeybee colonies. The current national honey and
beeswax production figures are estimated to be 4 860 tons and 324 tons per year respectively,
which is about 3.5% only of the production potential (MNRT, 2001a).

Production of honey and beeswax in the East African countries is still low and contributes little
to the National Gross Product (GNP) of each country (Masalu, 1997). The per capita income of
Tanzanians is reported to be US $ 293 (Household Budget Survey, 2001/2002) while that of
Moshi Region was Tsh 181 103 (URT, 1998b).

According to (Mlay, 1997), beekeeping in Tanzania is still mainly carried out in the Miombo
woodlands, which constitute about 43 million hectares. Agricultural resources, however, have
gradually diminished because of deforestation to accommodate settlements and provide farmland
fuel wood, timber and an assortment of other forest products, which result in the loss of habitats
for bees. Because of the successful afforest ration and agro forestry campaigns, the rich-shrub
vegetation of high biodiversity surrounds most of the settlements, throughout the country, and
meliferous value both on farms and the general landscape. This vegetation provides ideal habitats
for bees and could become formidable bases on the modern beekeeping industry in this country
(Mlay, 1997).
2.3 Challenges facing beekeepers
According to URT (1998a), constraints faced by beekeepers in Tanzania include lack of
appropriate equipment, storage facilities, packaging materials and obsolete technologies and the
beekeeping industry in general. Knowledge of proper honey and beeswax handling methods
presently used to maintain quality and quantity is also poor. Supporting services offered to the
beekeepers are weak in such areas as local processing and commercial arrangements. Inadequate
extension services and poor research facilities have further hampered the development of the
industry. The sector is experiencing a lot of problems such as lack of law, lack of formal cross
sect oral coordination, ineffective beekeeping extension services, insufficient statistical
information, and inappropriate beekeeping technology (MNRT, 2001b).

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Lack of appropriate equipment as well as handling facilities, inappropriate storage facilities, poor
packaging, obsolete technology and poor market information hamper the development of the
beekeeping industry. Knowledge of honey and beeswax handling to maintain quality and
quantity is also poor. Declining natural forest cover and the use of pesticides in vermin and pest
control also affect the industry (URT, 1998a).

Other Challange include the isolation of the area and the transport problem, lack of resources and
skills to implement Natural Resource Management (NRM) plans, the mistrust that sometimes
exists between villagers and officials and changes in climate that can greatly affect honey
production. Another area that was identified as problematic was the need for professionalism in
beekeeping in order to increase honey and wax production and quality while decreasing impact
on the environment.

The introduction of modern hives, made from local materials to limit their cost, has been
identified as one way of achieving these goals. Poverty was identified as one of the main
obstacles to the long-term continued non-sustainable practices to maintain their daily existence
Economic alternatives to poaching and deforestation for tobacco cultivation must be found; the
development of beekeeping activities and ecotourism present opportunities to create employment
and generate income for local communities without increasing the pressure on the ecosystem
(Kihwele, 2000).

According to Lema (1991), the initial capital needed to start beekeeping is very little but it
effectively limits participation of most women in the rural areas in beekeeping activities. In
Arumeru District although some hives have been found to be appropriate for the area (e.g.
Tanzanian Top Bar hives) most beekeepers cannot afford to buy them due to lack of capital
(Kimbi et al., 1998). Other problems also include land shortage and labour. Inefficient
beekeeping extension services are among the most critical problems in East Africa resulting in
low productivity (Masalu, 1997). Due to lack of effective beekeeping extension services, goods
and services of the beekeeping sector are still low in quality and quantity. The number of
beekeepers is still small, and as a result the national production of honeybee products is less than
5% of the production potential (URT, 1998a).

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Extension work is crucial for successful and appropriate promotion of beekeeping activity in the
rural areas. According to Aidoo (1999), extension and regulatory programmes have played the
important roles in helping beekeepers succeed.

This may include technical support or stock development, training the beekeepers to extend
beekeeping skills and information, providing support services for marketing such as quality
assurances, and implementing resistance management programme to protect effective products
used to control diseases and pests, lack of adequate and appropriate processing and storage
facilities of honeybee products which has a negative impact on the quality and quantity of honey
to the consumer (URT, 1998a).

Lack of capital has effect on purchasing power of the storage facilities like plastic containers
(buckets, drums, and bottles) and processing facilities like honey press.
According to Kihwele (1993), about 15 – 20% of the honeybee colonies are not harvested every
year due to lack of bee protective and scarcity of appropriate containers. Lack of bee-fodder the
main cause of the bee-forage shortage is deforestation. In Tanzania deforestation rate of closed
forests and woodlands were estimated to lie between 0.01 and 1.2 million ha per year (FAO,
1992). This trend is comparable to that for the whole Africa where the rate of deforestation is 30
times that of reforestation (FAO,1990a). Environmental pollution and other factors
(environmental catastrophes) can cause losses to bees and hives in the region affected,
endangering the whole of a beekeeper’s livelihood (Crane, 1990).

According to Ntenga & Mugongo (1990), the honey badger has proved to be most destructive,
particularly, in the miombo woodland areas. This animal, though very small, is extremely strong.
It heaves out the beehives, which are full of bees and using its claws and teeth, breaks the hive
with remarkable ease to reach the honey, which it eats together with bee brood.

Weather variation has direct effect on colony productivity e.g. prolonged drought, strong winds,
heavy and long rains can cause colony starvation and retard foraging activities of the bees’ hence
low storage. According to Kagio & Muriithi (1988), lack of the permanent water sources was the

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greatest factor limiting beekeeping as an enterprise in Kenya. According to Liseki (1997), sugars
feeding to bees have proved to be important as it reduces absconding rate, increases production
indirectly and hence increases the income to beekeepers.

The ratio of 2:1 sugar syrup (Two part sugar and one part water) is recommended to ensure
solution is concentrated enough to attract bees to eat. Also in a new colony the concentrate is
used as a starter.

2.4 Solutions to the challenges faced by beekeepers when dealing with beekeeping

According to Snow (2012). Among the main barriers threatening the sustainability of beekeeping
in the Carpathian region of Poland is the shortage of native, nectar producing plant populations
during the early and mid-summer months. Additionally, reductions of agricultural land and
changes in agricultural practices have led to a further reduction of nectar producing bee forage.
Theoretical and practical studies show that cultivation of honey yielding plants, which are
attractive to bees, such as Arctic Glow (Echinops sphaerocephalus L.) and White Sweet Clover
(Melilotus albus L.), have a positive impact on honey and pollen production. They also show the
potential for development of production systems for season-long supply of nectar from herbal
bee forages.

In Mississippi, acute bees killings from direct pesticide sprays or drift events is mostly evident,
this could likely be prevented with better communication and education, beekeepers report
losses of foraging bees within the fields when blooming crops are sprayed. This problem is most
noticeable in soybeans and cotton, but it's a tough problem because farmers need to spray their
crops when a pest population has reached the point it will significantly damage the crop, But it is
argued that there is no easy solution because not spraying isn't an option for the farmer, and
moving the bees is impractical. In these cases, Harris stressed the need for increased
communication about timing sprays for early morning or early evening, when bees are not
foraging. Then the beekeeper should consider moving their colonies to different locations for the
next year, if possible (Mississippi State University, 2015,).

2.5 Research gap

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Different studies reviewed under this study proposal address the need to involve people in the
whole processes of keeping bees. The study by Lema (1991) explains the initial capital needed to
start beekeeping to be very little and effectively limits participation of most women in the rural
areas in beekeeping activities in Arumeru District. On the other side Mlay, (1997) explains
where bees are most kept as he states that beekeeping in Tanzania is still mainly carried out in
the Miombo woodlands, which constitute about 43 million hectares. With the reviewed studies
there is a narrow explanation on the challenges faced by beekeepers on honey production in
Tanzania for which this study is going to be imperative by investigating the challenges faced by
beekeepers on honey production in Tumbi village.

CHAPTER THREE

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 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0. Introduction
This research chapter consists of the following aspects; research design, area of the study,
targeted population, sample and sample size, sampling procedures, data collection instruments
validity and reliability and data analysis plan.

3.1 Research design.

Kothari.C.R (1985) argues that, research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection
and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with
economy in procedures. Research design is the conceptual structure within which research is
conducted; it contributes to the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data.
Research design includes an outline of what the researcher will do from writing the hypothesis
and its operational implications to the final analysis of data.

Bryam (2012) holds that, research design is a frame work for the collection of data and analysis
of data. A choice of research design reflects decisions about the priority being given to a range of
dimensions of the research process. These include the importance attached to expressing casual
connections between variables, generalizing to large group of individuals than those actually,
forming part of that behavior in its specific social context; and having temporal appreciation of
social phenomenon and their inter connections.

Creswell & Crark (2011) adds that, research design involves quantitative approach, qualitative
approach and mixed methods approach. Quantitative research approach includes the use of
statistical procedures that produce numerical data. Therefore, this study proposal will include the
use of mixed methods research approach which is stated to comprise both quantitative research
approach and qualitative research approach in completing the study.

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3.2 Area of the Study
By interpreting Kombo & Tromp (2006) area of the study is the inerter disciplinary field of
research where data are gathered and analysis depend on.This study will be conducted in Tabora
region specifically in Tumbi Village

3.4 Sample and Sample Size.

Magender et al (1999) holds that, a sample is a smaller group obtained from the accessible
population. (creswel 2005) argue that, sample is a small selected group of individually or things
from a given population interested by the researcher to present the total population.

The study will include a total of 25 respondents out of which: 1 will be bees officer 14
beekeepers and 10 students from Tumbi College who are also involved in beekeeping

Table 1: showing the sample size distribution.

S/N Type of Number of respondents Tota %

respondents l.
1 Bees officer 1 from Tumbi village 1 4
2 Bees keeper 14 from tumbi village 14 56
3 Students 10 tudents from Tumbi college 10 40
Total 25 100

Source: Researcher 2018

3.5 Sampling procedures

Peter (1996) as cited in Mbundi (2011) holds that, sampling is a procedure for collecting a subset
of defined a population of individuals to provide information for a researcher study. In this study
random and purposeful sampling are mainly used in the research

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Magenda et al (1999) describe that, purposeful sampling is the techniques which allows a
research to use cases that have a required information with the respect to the objectives of the
study, that is cases or subjective are handpicked because they are informative.

Kombo &Tromp (2006) put an emphasize that, random sampling means probability sampling
whereby it gives every members of the population equal chances of being included in the study.
The researcher will use both random sampling and purposeful sampling on the target of getting
relevant and required information where by random sampling will be used to get beekeepers and
purposeful sampling will be used to get the veterinary officer and students who are involved in
the process of beekeeping.

3.6 Data collection instrument

Both qualitative and quantitative data will be collected. During this study, questionnaires,
documentations, interviews and observation methods will used to collect information.

Primary data are original in character (Kothari 2007). Document review, such as review of
books, reports, publication will be obtained from beekeepers records and professional journals
used to search secondary data which have already been collected by someone and passed through the
statistical process (Ibid) in order to see what the researcher obtained and suggested for further
studies.

Secondary data will be derived from second-hand information - such as dissertations, published
and unpublished theses, newspapers, pamphlets, reports, journal articles, brochures and other
resources downloaded from the internet. In addition - as Denscombe (1998) asserts, documentary
review provides vast amount of information .It is cost effective and can be checked by others.

According to Denscombe (1998), using more than one specific method enables the researcher to
cross validate information and data collected from a variety of sources. Due to the nature of this

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study, the researcher will use the triangulation approach which implies multiple data gathering
sources. Combination of documentary review, interviews, questionnaires and observation will be
used.

3.6.1 Document review

Document review refers to analyzing and deriving relevant information from primary and
secondary sources. Primary sources contain records of events or original information and data
from authentic sources. These include the teachers report in school, Secondary School Reports,
subject log books, and schemes of work, lesson plans and lesson notes.

3.6.2 Observation
This is another technique of which will be used for gathering information. This technique relies
on researcher’s seeing, hearing, testing, touching and smelling things and recording these
observations rather than relying on peoples self-report responses to questions or statements. It
requires the researcher’s personal ability and understanding of the phenomena (Frankael and
Wallen, 2000). The method will be chosen because; it allowed the researcher to see for
himself/herself what people actually do rather than what they say they will do. Further to that the
method helped to differentiate real situation from the theories which were written in many
publications about the community

3.6.3 Questionnaire.

White,(2002) define questionnaires as series of questions, each question provide a number of

alternatives answer from which the respondent select the most correct answer or give a chance
for the respondent to give their view on the question asked. Closed questionnaire and some sort
of open ended questionnaires will be used in this study proposal. Questionnaires will be used due
to the reason noted by Denscombe (1998) who asserted that questionnaires are economical since
they can supply a considerable amount of research information at a relatively low cost in terms
of material, money and time. Again, the method will be used since it is noticed to require more
clarification to complex issues by which open question is suggested to be used. This will help to
get rich- detailed information and more clauses through description. However, different

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respondents can give different degrees of detail and responses. Therefore the researcher will use
questionnaires in the process of collecting data from Tumbi - colllege students.

3.6.4 Interview

Gay (1982) Interview is an instrument of data correction whereby the questions are asked
through conservation and the researcher get information from the respondents. This method will
involve the conversations where a researcher will ask questions of interests to beekeepers and
veterinary officer to enable respondents express themselves before the researcher on the
challenges facing beekeepers on honey production in Tumbi village. This method is adapted to
get data from beekeepers and veterinary officer in order to overcome their moving nature as per
the argument that, if they are left with questionnaires it becomes difficult to collect them on the
ground that they are mostly mobile in seek to engage with day today economic activities
(Namwata et al, 2010).

3.7 Validity and Reliability

Simon & Burnstein (1985:18-19) argue that, validity means the similarity tendency on the
measurement of the variable which are interested on the research process. A measurement is
valid if it classified or measured. Reliability on the other hand, is roughly the same as
consistency or repeatability.

The researcher will pre- test the instruments of data collection in order to know the validity and
reliability of instruments toward measuring what is proposed in the study.

3.8. Data Analysis Plan

According to Kothari(1990:137) data analysis means the techniques consists of the content of
documentary material such as books, magazine, news papers, and the content of other verbal
material that can be spoken or written quantitative and qualitative approach are the main
techniques used during data analysis

The researcher will use both qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques during the analysis
of the collected data.

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3.9 Ethical implication
Ethical implication is a moral judgment overrides all other judgment stems from the deep
Connection between what is moral and what is rationale for human beings to do that give the
social character of human being (Erwir et al, 1994; 394) this study will be done through
consensus. First, data will be collected after the permission is asked and awarded by the research
Supervisor and the University administration of AMUCTA to where the study will be conducted.
Lastly, the researcher will explain the purpose of the study to the respondents and assure them
confidentiality as well as asking their positive participation.

APPENDIX 1

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 ARCHBISHOP MIHAYO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF TABORA

(A constituent College of St. Augustine University of Tanzania)

QUESTIONNAIRES FOR STUDENTS

Dear student,

My name is Kibugu Silla a student at Archbishop Mihayo University

College of Tabora (AMUCTA). I am doing a research on the topic “the challenges facing
beekeepers on honey production in Tumbi village.”.

Kindly I do request for your cooperation in accomplishment of the study. Your answers and
opinions will help me to advance my knowledge and enable me to analyse and evaluate the
current challenges face beekeepers on honey production in Tumbi village”.

In order to ensure complete confidentiality, you are kindly requested not to write your name
anywhere on this questionnaire.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

PART 1: Students classes.

Instructions:

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Indicate your studying level of education by putting a tick in the box provided.

1. Certificate ( )
2. Diploma ( )

PART 2: Questions pertaining to the challenges facing beekeepers on honey production in

Tumbi village”.

1. a) With reference to your college as an agricultural college, do you actively participate in

production of bees honey?

Yes ( ) No ( )
b) If yes, how do you participate in the production process?
(mention and possibly explain the activities involved in the production process)
……………………………………………………………………………………………
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………………………………
If no, who is then, involved in the production processes?
a) College workers ( )
b) Instructors ( )
c) Village men ( )
1) By considering the selection you made above, how do those people mentioned
participate in the production of bee products?

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i. finding a good location for an apiary. ( )

ii. Assembling and pre-cut beehive equipment ( )

iii. Carrying bee hives to the apiary ( )

iv. Planting flowering plants around the apiary ( )

v. Any other participation, please mention

3. As a student who bare, the sole responsibility of a bee keeper, what challenge do you face while
participating in Harney harnessing?

a/ difficult bees attraction to the apiary ( )

b/ bee hive making ( )

c/ handling honey ( )

d/ marketing ( )

e/ any other challenge (S)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4 In your suggestions, what can be treated to be the possible solutions to the challenges mentioned?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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Hojaji kwa wafugaji wa nyuki

1. nini umuhimu wa nyuki katika kijiji chenu?

2) Kwa kutambua umuhimu huo, shughuli zipi zinafanyika ili kuwezesha ufugaji wa nyuki
kuwa na tija kwenu?
3) Je, uandaji wa mizinga huwa unafanyika je?
4) N a je, shughuli nzima ya uandaji wa mzinga huwa na changamoto gani?
5) Je, kuna ulazima wa kuajiri watu kusaidia katika utengenezaji wa mizinga?
6) huwa unazipata wapi mizinga?
7) Unapo lina asari huwa unaihifadhi je?
8) Unapoitunza asali yako huwa unaifanyia kazi gani?
a. Chakula ( )
b. Kuuza (biashara) ( )
c. Chakula na biashara ( )
9) Kama unaitumia kwa ajiri ya chakula sambamba na biashara, soko la asali likoje?
10) Huwa unapata soko wapi la kuuza asari?
11) Je, kuna changamoto zinazo kukabili wakati wa kutungaza na kuuza asali yako?
12) Bei ya asali kwa lita huwa ni shilingi ngapi?
13) Je, bei hiyo inakusaidia kuweza endelea na kujimudu na shughuli ya ufugaji nyuki?
14) Vipi juu ya sera ya taaifa kuhusu ufugaji nyuki?
a. Inalenga kuwapunguzia changamoto za uendeshaji wa shughuli zenu au la?
b. Wewe mfugaji unasemaje, juu ya kuimalisha sera ya ufugaji nyuki?
15) Unapendekeza kipi kifanyike ili kupunguza changamoto zinazo kukabili wakati wa
kuendelea kuimalisha shughuli ya ufugaji nyuki?

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HOJAJI KWA AFISA NYUKI KIJIJI CHA TUMBI

1 .kwa vipi mnawawezesha wafugaji nyuki kuendeleza shughuli ya ufugaji nyuki hapa kijijini?

2. Ni msimu upi ambao huwa mnahamasisha wafugaji nyuki kuanza tundika mizinga yao?
3. Je, mzinga huwa tayari imesha aandaliwa au la?
4. Kama, ni hapana, kipi kina sababisha mizinga hiyo kuchelewa kuandaliwa?
5. Unawezeshaje, upatikanaji wa miundo mbinu rafiki kwa wafugaji nyuki hapa kijijini?
6. Kuna mikakati yoyote unaifanya kuwatafutia soko la kuuzia asari yao?
7. Kama ndiyo au hapana, vipi bei ya asari kwa lita moja ina kuwaje?
8. Na je, bei hiyo inapangwa na nani?
9. Bei hiyo inakidhi mahitaji ya mfugaji wa asari?
10. Kipi unakifanya kuimalisha au kupunguza changamoto zinazo wakabili wafugaji nyuki
hapa kijijini?

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 OBSERVATION SCHEDULE

The researcher will be interested in observing

1. How the hives are hang

2. How beekeepers handle the honey

3. How difficult or simple the activity is.

4. how packaging of honey is done ready for sending it to the market.

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 DOCUMENTARY REVIEW

A researcher will be interested in:

1. Reviewing the agricultural policy to assess the suitability of it upon beekeepers honey
productivity.
2. Reviewing the legal implication on bee keeping

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