Situación actual de la apicultura en municipios indígenas de la Microrregión IV, Huehuetla, Puebla

Current situation of beekeeping in indigenous municipalities of Microregion IV, Huehuetla, Puebla

Abstract

Objective: To characterize honey-producing beekeeping in the Totonac and Nahuatl municipalities of Socioeconomic Region IV of the state of Puebla. Methodology: We surveyed eighteen indigenous beekeepers, producers, and marketers of honey. The survey was semi-structured, with purposive sampling. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the data and ordinary least squares regression to model honey production. Results: Eighty-three percent of beekeepers in the region do not depend on beekeeping as their primary source of income. They have a small number of hives (up to 25) and lack land where their bees can feed. Most have been in beekeeping for less than seven years; 61% operate only one apiary, and the rest two or three. The key parameters of the statistical model were highly significant (p < 0.05), providing robust explanations for the observed variation in honey production within the study region. Limitations: Apiary management, honey traceability, and the small number of hives hinder the productivity of the activity. Conclusions: Beekeeping is an alternative source of income in Region IV of Puebla. The lack of modernization and technical development of the apiary limits the full utilization of the area's floral diversity.