Women's participation in beekeeping in Cariri Paraibano

Abstract

: Beekeeping, the art of raising bees, is increasingly recognized as an accessible form of agriculture that provides a range of economic, social, and environmental benefits to rural communities in many countries around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Worldwide, women's participation in beekeeping has been growing steadily, driven by its potential for economic empowerment, especially in rural areas, and by the efforts of international and national organizations, which have provided training and resources. Beekeeping offers a less physically demanding agricultural activity, allowing integration into existing agriculture and providing income, greater food security, and environmental benefits, such as increased crop yields through pollination and soil conservation. The creation of groups focused on female participation, such as cooperatives and associations, is crucial and helps to address barriers such as discomfort in male-dominated environments, allowing women to build confidence and take advantage of different communication styles for mutual support and success. Among the successful strategies of beekeeping, we can highlight greater financial security and improved family relationships, access to resources, including financial capital and equipment, as well as providing a platform to raise awareness of gender issues, including the value and health of women. In the state of Paraíba, the beekeeping sector is very prominent and has been consolidating itself in Cariri, Paraíba, gaining increasing prominence in the region. Among those engaged in this activity, women have occupied an important place, playing a fundamental role in the growth and strengthening of this practice. Their dedication and knowledge have been essential for the production of honey and honey products, consolidating them as protagonists in the development of beekeeping in the state of Paraíba. However, despite the potential to provide alternative sources of income for rural women, there is a lack of information on the presence and factors that limit women's participation in beekeeping. This study sought to identify the participation of women in beekeeping in Cariri, Paraíba, highlighting their characteristics and work practices. It was carried out through active research, together with the departments of agriculture and extension agencies, to conduct interviews. Beekeepers from the municipalities of São José dos Cordeiros, Sumé, Zabelê, and Serra Branca were located and interviewed. The age range of the participants is 20 to 41 years, with education ranging from elementary school to postgraduate studies and primary residence in rural areas. According to the interviewees, beekeeping is expressed as an economic alternative and, in some cases, as an activity that provides personal pleasure and connection with the countryside. Most women beekeepers are encouraged by family members, such as parents and spouses, and family relationships play an important role in continuing and strengthening beekeeping practices. Women beekeepers share the various stages of production, such as hive management, honey collection and extraction, processing, and marketing, usually in collaboration with their family members. This collective work format strengthens family dynamics and facilitates the division of responsibilities. In addition, some beekeepers are involved in local association groups, especially during harvest periods. Although most feel recognized locally, either for participating in events or for social appreciation, there is a common perception that beekeeping lacks adequate economic and institutional support. Two of the interviewees said they had left the activity due to lack of time and support, revealing that there were few incentives to invest more time or resources in beekeeping, as they did not always receive financial benefits for their involvement. Women's work in beekeeping has contributed to the sustainability of the activity in the region, reflecting the essential role of women in the development of family farming and environmental preservation in Cariri, Paraíba. Overall, the study found that women are still underrepresented across the formal beekeeping sector in the region and that, despite the difficulties they face, beekeeping continues to drive women's efforts, highlighting their determination and strengthening the leadership that inspires new generations. but it also revealed that adequate and continuous support and guidance, as well as gender-inclusive training, are crucial mechanisms to ensure that women benefit from the income derived from beekeeping and that their presence is increasingly evident and referenced, improving gender-equitable approaches in the activity in o