RedLAC: new technologies for beekeeping

Development of new technologies for beekeeping, capacity building and exchange of experiences, developing associative models of beekeepers oriented to a growing national and global market.

Context of the story

Beekeeping can be a powerful development tool for small family farmers in Latin America. The lack of technology adapted to tropical and subtropical environments and the scarce adaptation to changing conditions of the context limit the competitiveness of the productive chains. This is exacerbated by the intensification of agricultural production, deforestation and climate change. On the other hand, awareness of the role of bees as pollinators, interest in the use of native forest with non-extractive activities and the addition of value to primary production offer great opportunities to farmers.

Platform to consolidate Beekeeping as a development tool in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Implemented Initiative

The objective of the project was to create a platform that contributes to the development of the region, validating the beekeeping experience and generating capacities both for its horizontal expansion to other interested countries, as well as its expansion to other value chains of interest to Small Family Farming. With the purpose of “Optimizing the innovation process to enhance beekeeping as a development tool in Latin America and the Caribbean”, four components were defined: a) Training, b) Innovation, c) Cooperation and Coordination and d) Communication.

Technological Solution

The technological solution

In order to reduce hive mortality and increase honey production, the project implemented the Technological Trails. The main measures adopted included: the systematic replacement of queens and the planned multiplication of the apiary; the sanitary inspection of apiary in spring and autumn with sanitary control strategies without antibiotics using organic acaricides; periodic monitoring of varroosis, nosemosis and virosis; the replacement of frames and combs in the brood chamber at a rate of 30% per year; protein and / or energy nutritional supplementation without the use of honey; and the establishment of field, economic and financial records for management analysis and production planning for the next fiscal year, among others.

“"Transform beekeeping into a genuine development tool"”

— Enrique Bedascarrasbure, Project Leader

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Type of project

Value chain

Value chains and markets

Strategy 1. Resilient farms

Strategy 2. Sustainables territories

Results

It contributed to the training of 265 Territorial Technicians and 86 Researchers. The work of 441 Technicians and Researchers was articulated who, through the combination of the collaborative site, the project's websites and the partners and social networks, contacted more than 20,000 beekeepers. 48 technological trails were adapted, the results of which were implemented in Demonstration Units, reducing the mortality of hives by 80% and achieving a 26% increase in production. Capacities were generated for the development of rooms adapted to climate change; the selection and preservation of 6 genetic materials adapted to different environments and their multiplication by 47 queen breeders. Progress was made in the development of the Silvo Apícola Pastoril system and the pollination service was validated in 30 trials for 12 open-air and under-cover crops.