Perfil dos meliponicultores do município de Palmeirândia-MA

Abstract

This research, conducted in Palmeirândia, Maranhão, aimed to identify the socioeconomic profile of beekeepers and the challenges faced in honey production. The data collected revealed that 70% of beekeepers are male and 20% are female, with the majority between the ages of 50 and 65. Regarding location, 80% live in the municipal headquarters and 20% in villages. Regarding income, 70% receive up to two minimum wages, 20% receive one minimum wage, 10% more than two minimum wages and 10% receive one and a half minimum wages. Regarding professional training, 60% of producers have already taken courses or training in the area of beekeepers and continue to seek improvement, while 40% have not sought formal training and rely only on popular knowledge. The latter include some producers who are more recent in the activity. Although meliponiculture is important for the local production of honey and other products derived from stingless bees, it faces significant challenges, such as the lack of specific regulations and the low levei of qualification among producers. In Palmeirândia, floral diversity is essential for the production of honey, which has medicinal properties. However, the development of meliponiculture depends on more support for technical training and public policies that encourage and regulate the activity. Meliponiculture in Palmeirândia has great potential, but is limited by the lack of qualification of producers and the absence of regulations that facilitate the commercialization of honey. Investing in the training of meliponiculturists and in the creation of public policies is essential for the expansion of this practice, contributing to local economic development and environmental sustainability.