Beekeeping is a long established economic activity in Tanzania. It contributes to the national economy by generating some US$ 19 million per annum and employing more than two million people. Beekeeping produces food and medicines, makes a significant contribution to bio-diversity, and encourages agricultural production through pollination. Moreover, more than 50% of Tanzania is covered by forests suitable for beekeeping. This potential is not fully exploited, and the sector is non-commercial. This study analyses the causes of the inability of rural Tanzanian beekeepers to establish commercially viable businesses. Using the case study research design, this qualitative study was conducted in the Mvomero district. Triangulation sampling techniques were used to select different beekeeping actors. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The descriptive analysis and ‘current tree reality’ of thinking process techniques were used to identify constraints that limit beekeepers from commercial- ising the sector. The challenges that are repeatedly cited as the main hindrances to the growth and development of beekeeping include over-reliance on traditional hives and honey production methods, low volumes, poor quality honey, limited access to finance, and insufficient fodder. We conclude that insufficient beekeeping expertise (knowledge and skills) and management are the two critical underlying factors that have led to the current situation. Since this study was limited to answering the first question of the theory of constraints approach, a further study is suggested to answer the remaining two questions. Moreover, a study to assess obstacles that hinder the adop- tion of top bar hives in the area is vitally important. Key words: beekeeping, commercial beekeeping, theory of constraints, beekeeping constraints, Tanzania

The role of business incubators and the impact of their incubation programs have limited realization in nurturing entrepreneurship and industrialization. To foster rural development in developing areas whose population depends on agriculture requires a sustainable model which can nurture firms in the sector. This qualitative case study used ten selected business incubators that support firms in the agriculture sector to analyze how rural development can be fostered. Triangulate sampling and data collection were used, and interpretative analysis shows that most incubators are in-house, operated by the Government in the manufacturing sector. The leading roles played by incubators include providing managerial advice, accessible finance and facilities, and business advice, facilitating the export of vegetables and fruits, linkage and networking, and accessible markets. Business incubators in the agriculture sector play a significant role in nurturing start-ups, creating job opportunities, and positively impacting the economy. Therefore, it is crucial for developing countries like Tanzania to include business incubators in their policies and strategic plans.

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Beekeeping is a long established economic activity in Tanzania. It contributes to the national economy by generating some US$ 19 million per annum and employing more than two million people. Beekeeping produces food and medicines, makes a significant contribution to bio-diversity, and encourages agricultural production through pollination. Moreover, more than 50% of Tanzania is covered by forests suitable for beekeeping. This potential is not fully exploited, and the sector is non-commercial. This study analyses the causes of the inability of rural Tanzanian beekeepers to establish commercially viable businesses. Using the case study research design, this qualitative study was conducted in the Mvomero district. Triangulation sampling techniques were used to select different beekeeping actors. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The descriptive analysis and ‘current tree reality’ of thinking process techniques were used to identify constraints that limit beekeepers from commercialising the sector. The challenges that are repeatedly cited as the main hindrances to the growth and development of beekeeping include over-reliance on traditional hives and honey production methods, low volumes, poor quality honey, limited access to finance, and insufficient fodder. We conclude that insufficient beekeeping expertise (knowledge and skills) and management are the two critical underlying factors that have led to the current situation. Since this study was limited to answering the first question of the theory of constraints approach, a further study is suggested to answer the remaining two questions. Moreover, a study to assess obstacles that hinder the adoption of top bar hives in the area is vitally important.

Both creating and capturing value from a business activity cannot be done by a single firm in a single setting. Instead, firms with different competencies should be aligned to present the focal value and proportionately appropriate value. This study describes the governance structure and proposes the framework that organizes beekeeping actors through the proposed business ecosystem. This qualitative and descriptive action research collected data from 12 actors in the beekeeping industry. Different governance structures were piloted and tested through interpretative data analysis to develop an appropriate model. Two models are proposed: (1) the commercial firm to orchestrate the business ecosystem (2) the beekeeping association/cooperative to collaborate with the commercial firm through the honey collection centre to present a value proposition to customers. Also, ecosystem actors should share value in a fairly and truthful way. The role of an enterprise, which is an ecosystem orchestrator, is to ensure those ecosystem actors, particularly beekeepers, join and stay in the ecosystem. The study technique for data collection provides a valuable empirical ground through which management and business research can rely on the methodology. The study informs policymakers, researchers, and organizations on the crucial steps and measures to build and manage a viable commercial beekeeping ecosystem. The study provides a theoretical contribution to the ecosystems and governance theories and the empirical evidence for the approaches.

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Why is the beekeeping sector in Tanzania less productive? The average annual productivity of a bee colony is estimated to be 15 kgs and 2 kgs of honey and wax respectively. But the condition is Tanzania scandalous: Why is it the case? The study analyses the potential challenges to the underperformance of bee colonies in Tanzania. This study used an experimental design, and qualitative approach to analyze the productivity of bee colonies in Tanzania. The sample was selected through a purposive approach and data were collected through interviews and observation. The Current-Tree-Reality of the Thinking Process techniques was used to identify constraints that limit the productivity of the beekeeping sector in Tanzania. Size of the colony, bee species, availability of fodder, technology, knowledge and skills, and post-harvest losses were constantly mentioned as underlying factors limiting productivity in the beekeeping sector. Other factors include occupancy rate, human activities like farming/agriculture, bee diseases, and pests and predators. We concluded that the size of the colony, availability of fodder, and bee species are the limiting factors for colony productivity in Tanzania. A study on bee breeding, colony selection, and productive bee species is suggested. The study provides empirical evidence and theoretical understanding of beekeeping, colony productivity, and theory of constraints to researchers, beekeepers, and policymakers.

How can higher learning institutions in Tanzania impart entrepreneurship for employment creation? Entrepreneurship education cultivates innovative talents, which is a crucial driving force for future development. The innovation-driven development strategies place new demands on entrepreneurship education. However, most of the current research and discussion in this field focuses on the construction of teaching staff in the entrepreneurial education ecosystem, curriculum development, and whether entrepreneurship education can influence the intention of entrepreneurship. Based on the learning theories, the individual traits and environmental of learners greatly influence the realization of entrepreneurship education. In Tanzania, the growth of higher learning is significant with some challenges and obstacles towards producing quality students. Among these challenges, effective teaching is the major one, others being infrastructures, learning facilities, and sizes of classes (number of students in a course). This study describes some innovative teaching and learning techniques in the Tanzanian higher education environment which helps to develop an individual’s mindset, behavior, skills and capabilities. The entrepreneurship education should be applied to create value in a range of contexts and environments from the public sector, charities, universities and social enterprises to corporate organizations and new venture start-ups.