Simula Maijo
Other projects
7 Jan 2019
Will Anthropogenic Activities Influence Chimpanzee Forage Species and Habitat Selection? A Case Study in the Masito-Ugalla Ecosystem, Tanzania
14 Jul 2020
Improving Conservation of Chimpanzee Habitat Through Beekeeping and Tree Planting in the Masito-Ugalla Ecosystem, Tanzania
9 Mar 2022
Balancing Conservation Goals and Human Livelihood Needs: Beekeeping as an Incentive for Conservation of Chimpanzee Habitat in the Masito-Ugalla Ecosystem
24 Jul 2023
Scaling Up Conservation of Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) and its Habitats in Tongwe Forest Reserves, Western Tanzania
The local beekeepers in the Tongwe Forest Reserves (TFRs) primarily focus on honey production, with limited attention to other bee products due to a lack of knowledge. While honey is widely consumed, it is often used in its raw form without value-added processing. Meanwhile, wild edible orchids in the TFRs face increasing threats, yet conservation efforts for these species are minimal. This project aims to both enhance the beekeeping value chain and conserve the threatened wild edible orchids.
A workshop held in Ikusi Village to educate local beekeepers about sustainable beekeeping practices.
In project 27075-1, we examined the impact of human disturbances on chimpanzee habitat use in TFRs. The study revealed that TFRs are under significant anthropogenic pressures, including livestock grazing, logging, and unsustainable beekeeping practices, all contributing to the loss of vital chimpanzee resources (Maijo et al. 2020). Traditional beekeeping methods are widely practiced in the TFRs, but these methods come at the cost of tree species that serve as food and nesting resources for chimpanzees. Local communities often debark trees to make traditional beehives, which eventually kills the trees. Follow-up projects (31928-2, 36950-B, and 40945-D) were initiated to engage local communities in the conservation of TFRs by promoting sustainable beekeeping practices. While the local communities have shown a positive response to these initiatives, there is still a gap in understanding the full beekeeping value chain, including production, processing, and marketing of bee products. This project aims to bridge the gap.
In addition, local communities exploit orchids for food, medicine, and trade (Mwakatobe 2018). However, the consumption of orchids has been increasing, which poses a serious threat to the survival of wild edible orchid populations (Lalika et al. 2013). Overharvesting has led to the extinction of some species (Davenport and Ndangalasi 2001; 2003). Despite these threats, communities around TFRs lack conservation knowledge about the orchids they harvest and are unaware of their current status. Immediate conservation actions, such as awareness campaigns on the importance of conserving wild edible orchids, are crucial to promote sustainable utilization and protect these species.
Through promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and addressing orchid conservation, this project will improve local livelihoods while ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in the TFRs.
Header image: Some members of the beekeeping group from Busongola Village (a group participating in this project), when they attended a training on honey processing and packaging to enhance their products' appeal and reach a broader market.