A Singida-based beekeeping company, Kijiji Cha Nyuki Co. Ltd, has announced plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to address the issue of destructive animals invading residential areas.

The company’s managing director, Philemon Kiemi, revealed this initiative recently while speaking to journalists about the company’s future plans to tackle human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) in the region.

Kiemi highlighted the frequent challenges faced by residents of Singida Region due to elephants invading their homes. He said the company has developed modern strategies to effectively manage these incidents.

“Our plan involves identifying all elephant pathways in the affected districts of Singida Region and setting up beehive traps along these routes. The bees will act as a natural deterrent, driving the elephants away from residential areas,” Kiemi explained.

He added, “We understand how difficult it is for residents to cope with these invasions. With the expertise from Nyuki Village, we aim to manage the elephants in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.”

Kiemi also outlined the company’s 2025 plans, which include establishing a ranch dedicated to rearing queen bees to address the ongoing shortage of bees—an issue that has troubled many beekeepers nationwide.

For 2024, the company plans to train 10,000 people across all villages in Singida Region on modern beekeeping techniques. Each participant will receive a beehive to begin their journey in beekeeping.

Other initiatives include setting up factories for producing honey wine and building hotels and sports fields to attract major sports teams to Singida Region, boosting tourism and accommodation services.

Kiemi noted the growing demand for bee products, especially the company’s Singida Dust, a product claimed to boost immunity and enhance male vitality. “When I introduced Singida Dust in parliament, 263 bottles were sold within just four days,” he said.

Elephant invasions have been a recurring issue in Singida Region, with incidents of property destruction and threats to residents’ safety. For instance, on November 10, 2024, over 56 elephants invaded Mkiwa village in Ikungi District, destroying eight homes and consuming stored food supplies.

The incident prompted villagers to block the main Dodoma-Singida highway, which led to a visit from the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism,   Dr. Pindi Chana. She directed the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to establish a camp in the village to control the elephants.

The districts most affected by elephant invasions in Singida Region include Ikungi, Manyoni, Singida, and Itigi Municipality.