Abstract

PAT FERNANDEZ, Juan Manuel; LOPEZ LOPEZ, Román; VAN DER WAL, Hans  and  VILLANUEVA GUTIERREZ, Rogel. Organización social productiva: situación y perspectiva apícola de la sociedad UNAPINCARE en la Reserva de la Biosfera Los Petenes, Campeche, México. Región y sociedad [online]. 2012, vol.24, n.54, pp.201-230. ISSN 2448-4849.

This article analyses assets that apiculture producers use to identify perspectives of sustainable honey production. The study used and adapted the Sustainable Livelihoods theoretical framework. The results reveal that the production strategy is an interaction and combination of assets largely dependent on experience and family capabilities. The UNAPINCARE society is a key social capital actor; however, a weak organizational structure and inadequate management do not favor development of the organization. The market determines product price, a factor which cannot be controlled by the producers.The natural conditions of the reserve, with plentiful nectar resources, favors apiculture. Honey production is feasible due to the existence of favorable socio-environmental conditions embodied by social, economic and natural capital.

Keywords : apiculture; social organization; sustainable livelihoods; family strategies.