Kibaha Environmental Conservation Action (KECA) is a community-based non-governmental organization registered in Tanzania and dedicated to promoting sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience through community engagement. Founded and led by Ibrahim Hussein Mkwiru, a natural resource management and biodiversity conservation specialist trained in Germany and Spain, KECA works closely with local farmers, schools, youth groups, and faith-based organizations to promote environmentally sustainable livelihoods.
Bee is for Bamboo
One of KECA’s flagship initiatives is the Kibaha Beekeeping and Bamboo Training Centre (KBTC), established through strategic partnerships to strengthen community livelihoods while protecting ecosystems. Through this centre, KECA trains beekeepers in sustainable apiculture, supports value-chain development, and purchases honey from trained farmers to ensure reliable market access. The centre processes and markets honey under the brand “Marlena Pure”, which has successfully entered local markets after being showcased at major national events such as the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Saba Saba) and the Nane Nane Farmers’ Day Agricultural Exhibition in Morogoro.
Beyond livelihood development, KECA actively restores degraded landscapes through large-scale tree planting and environmental education programs. In partnership with community institutions such as Yoghoi Pentecostal Church and Yoghoi Environmental Conservation Group, KECA has planted more than 100,000 trees in the West Usambara Mountains to rehabilitate degraded agricultural land, protect natural forests, and safeguard vital water sources. Similar initiatives are ongoing and planned in Tanzania’s Coast Region, where farmers and schools are engaged in environmental awareness and reforestation programs.
Looking ahead, KECA seeks to expand its conservation and livelihood initiatives through strategic partnerships. Priority areas include scaling up beekeeping training, strengthening environmental education programs for schools, and protecting water sources within the Ruvu River Basin by planting bamboo and other indigenous tree species to prevent soil erosion and restore degraded landscapes. The organization is currently seeking support to establish a tree nursery capable of producing at least 100,000 seedlings annually, while also upgrading its beekeeping apiary with essential equipment such as honey extractors, additional hives, and protective gear. Capacity-building tools—including laptops, a projector, and a digital camera—are also needed to enhance training and documentation activities.
KECA’s conservation model also integrates youth empowerment through sports. The organization supports boys and girls through community football activities that promote teamwork, discipline, and environmental awareness. However, many young players lack basic equipment such as shoes and jerseys. KECA is therefore seeking partnerships with international sports clubs and academies willing to donate used equipment to strengthen youth engagement programs previously supported by One Team.
Bamboo for ecotourism
To ensure long-term sustainability, KECA has expanded its activities into ecological tourism through CMK Royal Tour and Ecological Tourism, which connects conservation initiatives with responsible tourism experiences. Through this initiative, visitors are invited to participate in community conservation activities, visit bamboo groves and beekeeping projects, and explore Tanzania’s rich natural attractions while supporting grassroots environmental work.
KECA welcomes partnerships with development organizations, research institutions, private sector actors, sports organizations, and eco-tourists who share a commitment to community-driven conservation and sustainable livelihoods. By working together, we can strengthen climate resilience, protect ecosystems, and empower communities across Tanzania.
Special thanks to Ibrahim Hussein Mkwiru for contributing this article. Photos courtesy of Kibaha Environmental Conservation Action.
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