Local ecological knowledge, beekeeping practices and market factors related to perceived honey quality and sustainable beekeeping in Meru District, Tanzania

Beekeeping supports rural livelihoods and biodiversity conservation, but honey quality is often constrained by floral-resource management, handling practices and market-related factors. This study assessed local ecological knowledge, perceptions, management practices and market constraints related to honey quality and beekeeping in Meru District, Tanzania. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design involved a questionnaire surveys with 240 beekeepers from lower, middle and upper zones, complemented by key-informant interviews with beekeepers, honey sellers and government officials. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results showed that beekeepers had strong local ecological knowledge, with 97.9% recognizing bee flora and respondents mentioning 24 bee flora species, Acacia species were mentioned most frequently. Most respondents perceived floral diversity to influence honey quality, considered multifloral honey preferable to monofloral honey and valued bee-flora conservation. However, beekeeping remained largely traditional and non-intensive, with low adoption of migratory beekeeping, limited bee-flora cultivation and widespread use of traditional hives. Apiary-site selection was mainly guided by bee flora and water availability, indicating ecological awareness, but broader site-selection criteria were less emphasized. Respondents most frequently mentioned adulteration as threat to honey quality, while the reported use of previously used storage containers and reliance on traditional processing methods indicated potential post-harvest quality risks. Training was significantly associated with improved practices such as labelling and processing. Key informants further revealed uneven standards awareness, limited value addition, weak branding, inadequate support systems and market barriers. Honeybee pests, lack of modern equipment and inadequate training were major challenges. Strengthening training, quality control, bee-flora conservation and market linkages could improve honey quality management, market competitiveness and sustainable beekeeping in Meru District.