Beekeeping research in Tanzania began in the 1950s during the colonial era, with initial studies focused on pollination services and beeswax production for both food and industrial applications. Following independence, the Tanzanian government, in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), established the Njiro Beekeeping Research Centre in 1973. The Centre was later integrated into the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) and renamed the Njiro Wildlife Research Centre (NWRC). Since then, NWRC has evolved into a leading hub for tropical beekeeping research, providing appropriate technologies, training, and information to support sustainable apiculture and biodiversity conservation.

The Centre is located within Arusha municipality, approximately 5 km southeast of Arusha town, on the scenic slope of Njiro Hill. NWRC manages a 23-hectare urban forest, where experimental honeybee colonies are maintained across 13 small apiaries. In addition to the main Njiro site, the Centre operates three field stations in ecologically diverse regions: West Kilimanjaro (Mount Kilimanjaro ecosystem), Magugu (Rift Valley), and Tabora (Miombo woodlands). These stations enable long-term studies of bee ecology, colony performance, and habitat-specific beekeeping practices across a range of Tanzanian ecosystems with over 400 experimental hives.

Beyond beekeeping, NWRC plays a vital role in wildlife research in northern Tanzania, supporting studies across the Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Singida, and Manyara regions. By integrating beekeeping and broader wildlife research, NWRC contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, and the development of evidence-based management practices.

Today, NWRC stands as a center of excellence, advancing scientific knowledge on tropical bees, promoting sustainable beekeeping, and providing critical data for wildlife and habitat management in Tanzania.