Diagnostico da meliponicultura nos municípios de Areia e Itabaiana do estado da Paraiba

Abstract

This study aimed to diagnose and map meliponiculture in the municipalities of Areia and Itabaiana, located in the state of Paraíba, seeking to understand the profile of beekeepers, the management practices adopted, the challenges faced, and the potential of the activity in the region. The research was conducted through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires to local producers, covering aspects related to socioeconomic profile, species raised, supplementary feeding, structure of meliponaries, marketing methods, predominant vegetation, and access to public policies. The data were analyzed descriptively, allowing a comparison of the realities observed in the two municipalities. It was found that the majority of beekeepers are adult men, aged between 41 and 50, who carry out the activity to supplement their family income. Management is predominantly traditional, with low use of technology, reflecting the artisanal nature of production. The most commonly raised species were Melipona scutellaris (Uruçu Nordestina), Tetragonisca angustula (Jataí), Melipona subnitida (Jandaíra), and Nannotrigona testaceicornis (Irai), all native and adapted to local environmental conditions. It was found that most producers are unaware of specific legislation, lack environmental licenses, and have limited access to public policies such as PRONAF (National Agricultural Fund for Aging) and CAF (National Agricultural Fund for Aging). Most sales are made directly or for personal consumption, using simple containers, demonstrating the informality of the sector. It is concluded that meliponiculture in Areia and Itabaiana has potential for expansion, especially with greater technical support, government incentives, and the appreciation of traditional knowledge, contributing to the conservation of native bees and the strengthening of family farming.