Abstract

CONTRERAS-ESCARENO, Francisca et al. Present situation and characterististics of beekeepers in the South and Southeastern regions of the State of Jalisco, Mexico. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.3, pp.387-398. ISSN 2448-6698.

Mexican apiculture is a millenarian activity that contributes to the economic, social and ecological welfare of the production regions. However, no proposals for technological innovations in this sector are known. The objective of this research was to diagnose the present situation and characteristics of beekeepers in the South and Southeastern regions of the State of Jalisco. A survey was conducted to 183 beekeepers distributed in 5 strata according to the number of beehives owned: 1-25; 25- 50; 50-100; 100 -500; and > 500. The average beekeeper age was 47 yr with a beekeeping average experience of 16.5 yr; only 40 % finished elementary school. Beekeeping is the main economic activity for beekeepers having more than 100 beehives, in contrast to those with less than 25 beehives which engage in other economic activities. Honey production per beehive is higher in those beekeepers owning less than 50 beehives. As the incorporation of new beekeeping technology is in its infancy in this region, there is an important potential for the generation of new productive models.

Keywords : Beekeeping; Beekeepers; Innovation; Technology.

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