Innovations in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a Tool for Improving Competitiveness of Family beekeepers

Internet-Communication-Technologies (ICTs) at the agricultural level have had exponential progress in recent years. At the agricultural production level, they are increasingly being used for batch mapping, determination of green index and biomass, determination of yields at the “micro-parcel” level, guaranteeing grain traceability and understanding aspects related to climate through weather stations. In terms of the applied technology for beekeeping, Argentina and Uruguay have a strong tradition, through artificial hives destined for international markets. Meanwhile, in Central American countries production is generally done in a rudimentary way, using tree trunks and / or less standardized materials. This and other environmental factors lead to uneven productivity: 10 kg average per hive in the traditional systems of Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic and 30 kg on average in Argentina and Uruguay.

The purpose of this seed fund is to make a proposal for the implementation of ICTs for the beekeeping sector, given that there is potential for their implementation in order to improve competitiveness. It is expected that highly competitive honey production and export agribusiness systems can be developed, based on satisfying demand requirements, reducing costs and improving hive productivity.