Potential for inclusion of bees in agroforestry systems in the western Pará State, Brazil

Abstract

Beekeeping has an important role in the production of safe food and as a source of income for small farms, as well as for the pollination of many forest and fruit species. This study was conducted in seven municipalitys in western Pará State to evaluate the potential of integrating bees in agroforestry diagnosis through a survey of honey production. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, intended to farmers, with questions regarding the production of honey, bee species and cultivated species of bees. The information obtained was processed in spreadsheets. 197 farmers were interviewed, 80% were male. The main activities carried out by these producers are: agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry and handicrafts. Most producers have preferred to create the stingless bees (68%). As to the installation location of the boxes, most producers use the secondary forest (26%) and meliponary (25%). With the present work it was shown that the west Pará has great potential for the production of honey and other bee products. Being that this alternative can be even further enhanced if the introduction of these bees as animal component in agroforestry systems.