Sustentabilidade da apicultura: aspectos socioeconômicos e ambientais em assentamentos rurais no Semiárido Paraibano.

Abstract

Beekeeping is an activity expanding in many countries, also in Brazil is experiencing a significant growth in its production. The potential to generate employment and income it has, as well as forming an important mechanism for promoting economic and social large segments of the rural population, who form the largest portion of this activity among workers. By the above, this research aimed to conduct a socio-economic and environmental study, as well as to verify the sustainability in beekeeping in rural settlements Acauã Jacu and Fortuna, located in the municipalities of Aparecida , Pombal and Jericó , in Paraíba State respectively. Data collection on the agents involved in this activity took place through the use of questionnaires and conducting semi -structured, applied directly with beekeepers and leaders of the settlements under study. For the index of quality of life data presented in communities Acauã, Jacu and Fortuna, showed that 100 % of beekeepers surveyed have at least one of the assets of groups 1 , 2 and 3 , the settlement Acauã presented with the highest rates of 0.7222 . The index of capital settlement Acauã also obtained a higher value around 0.9429, being superior to the others. Environmental index for the highest value was found in the settlement with Fortuna order value of 0.3571, being superior to the other; put a low value when compared to other works. Honey production in the settlements surveyed revealed that beekeepers of Fortune had a higher production and consequent productivity of approximately 2522 kg / year which represents a yield of 10.3 kg / hive. Sustainability index for the highest value was found in the settlement Acauã with value 0.6646, and the environmental index contributed most negatively to that sustainability was low. However, the settlements surveyed require more research so that it can be larger on the sustainability of the activity in the region.