Bibliometric analysis of scientific production on the beekeeping sector in the postgraduate program in Management and Agroindustrial Systems of the Federal University of Campina Grande (2012–2022)

Abstract

Scientific output is a key indicator of the development of graduate programs, enabling the assessment of the evolution of knowledge, the identification of research trends, and the support of scientific and institutional planning. In this context, this study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific output related to the beekeeping sector produced by the *Stricto Sensu* Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management and Systems (PPGGSA)—a professional master's program—at the Center for Agro-food Science and Technology of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Pombal Campus, between 2012 and 2022. This is an applied documentary study employing a quantitative approach and an exploratory-descriptive design, based on the use of bibliometric techniques to analyze scientific output. Data collection was carried out using the UFCG Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD), utilizing keywords related to beekeeping, bee products, and stingless bee farming (*meliponiculture*). Variables analyzed included the year of publication, format of the final academic work, research topic, keywords used, and the distribution of scientific output. The results revealed the existence of 408 academic works deposited in the institutional repository, 58 of which were directly related to the beekeeping sector. An increase in scientific output was observed throughout the analyzed period, with 2018 standing out as the year with the highest volume of research. The scope of investigations evolved from studies focused on beekeeping management to approaches addressing the quality of bee products, bioactive compounds, food technology, innovation, sustainability, and supply chain management. The research also identified inconsistencies in BDTD records—such as discrepancies between the total number of available documents and the annual distribution of publications, as well as the presence of duplicate entries—highlighting the need to improve metadata management within the institutional repository. It is concluded that the PPGGSA plays a significant role in generating and disseminating scientific knowledge related to beekeeping, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the supply chain, technological development, and the training of qualified human resources. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the value of bibliometrics as a tool for evaluating scientific output, supporting institutional planning, and identifying trends and knowledge gaps, thereby providing a foundation for future research and the strengthening of the program's lines of inquiry.