Mozambican authorities are turning to an unlikely partnership between bees and humans to address escalating wildlife conflicts near a national park. A new beekeeping project, strategically located in the buffer zone of Tete Province’s Magoe National Park, aims to produce 100 tonnes of honey annually while simultaneously deterring elephants from destroying crops.
The initiative, with a budget of 20 million meticais ($316,105), is a multi-faceted approach to conservation and economic empowerment. The Zambezi Valley Development Agency is installing 4,000 beehives, offering training to local communities, and establishing a honey processing facility. Nelson Antonio, a director at the agency, explains the dual purpose: “Elephants are afraid of bees. By placing hives along fences, we create a living barrier.” He notes that bee stings to sensitive areas like the eyes and trunk are extremely painful for elephants, causing them to retreat from farmland.
Beyond its role as a natural deterrent, the project is designed to foster sustainable livelihoods. It provides alternative economic opportunities, offering a viable substitute for destructive practices such as poaching and illegal logging that threaten the park’s ecosystem. Momade Juizo, the Secretary of State for Marine Affairs and Fisheries, highlighted the potential for broad social impact, estimating that the project will benefit approximately 500,000 households. The plan is a testament to Mozambique’s strategy of linking economic development with conservation efforts, leveraging a small, buzzing insect to create a powerful, sustainable solution for both people and wildlife.
