Beekeeping in Campo Maior, Piauí: Profile of the beekeeper, potential and difficulties of the activity

• Autor(a) principal: Silva, Hileane Barbosa
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Outros Autores: Sousa, Samara da Silva, Damião, Gildene Silva
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista Verde de Agroecologia e Desenvolvimento Sustentavel
• Texto Completo: https://www.gvaa.com.br/revista/index.php/RVADS/article/view/8716
• topic: Agribusiness; Honey; Family farming; Agronegocios; Miel; Agricultura familiar; Agronegócio; Mel; Agricultura familiar

Beekeeping has stood out as an important economic activity for the Brazilian Northeast, contributing to the generation of family income and work for men in the fields. The objective of this study was to identify the main methods used for beekeeping in Campo Maior, Piauí to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and improve the economic and agronomic viability. The study methodology involved a qualitative-quantitative approach using semi-structured interviews and forms with ten members of the Association of Campo Maior Beekeepers (APICAM) between July and August 2019. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and content analysis, and a SWOT analysis was used (strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats). Based on the data obtained, it was identified that beekeeping operations have an average of 2.5 workers, with most family-operated. The ranges of honey production between 251 and 1000 kg in year-1 are highlighted, depending on the productivity values of each hive. The main benefit APICAM members have in the market is higher value product due to superior sustainability and organic production. The main problems with beekeeping is limited management of production costs and fluctuations in the price of honey in the market. To enhance beekeeping in the region there is a need for public initiatives stimulating production and economic efficiency and promoting sustainable organic honey production.