Mbeya Region Website

Mbeya region is well endowed with the renewable and non-renewable natural resources such as forestry, wildlife, honey bees, minerals, etc. In view of that, the region has made major efforts in developing these natural resources.  

       

A portion of Natural forest and compartment of Pine trees in Kawetere in Mbeya District

Mbeya region has about 15,059,400 hectares of land area covered mostly with miombo woodland forests. There are also some plantations of pine trees in various areas including Kawetere in Mbeya District.  Forest resources serve a variety of functions including timber, fuel-wood, honey production and environment conservation. 

Wildlife resources found in Mbeya region are extensive. They include wild animals such as leopards, lions, cheater, elephants, buffalos, crocodiles, snakes, tortoises, and a variety of birds like ostrich and water ducks. 

There are two lakes in Mbeya where fishing activities are carried in deep water. These are Lake Rukwa and Nyasa, all with fresh water. The former is known for its high population of crocodiles and it is major source of fish consumed in the region. Lake Nyasa is known for ornamental fish and delicious “Mbasa” fish. 

Miombo woodlands forest mentioned above are characterized of rich millineries species that make suitable sites for nursing bee colonies. Beekeeping activities are carried in Chunya district on commercial basis by small scale entrepreneurs.