Beekeeping and Meliponiculture: A Sweet Look At The Women of The Jequitinhonha River Valley

Objective: To report on an initiative to train, motivate and encourage women in the Jequitinhonha Valley to join and/or remain in beekeeping activities, in order to help strengthen the honey production chain in the Jequitinhonha Valley. Theoretical Reference: Studies exploring the role of women in beekeeping activities around the world are increasingly focusing on the obstacles women face in the activity in order to offer suggestions for improvement. In this context, there is a recommendation that training be offered that specifically targets women. Method: The methodology of this study was Systematization of Experiences based on a FIC (Continuing Initial Training) course in meliponiculture for women. The results achieved by offering the course were evaluated based on the indicators of result, impact, effect, efficiency, efficacy and effectiveness. As a basis, an exploratory study was carried out, conducting a wide-ranging literature review on female participation in meliponiculture. Results and Discussion: Seven studies highlighted the importance of adopting strategies to strengthen female participation in meliponiculture. The meliponiculture course fulfilled this role, as indicated by the indicators. Thus, the objectives set for the course were achieved, and a score of 3 was assigned to the results-based indicator. It was noted that some activities were put into practice at the end of the course, giving a score of 2.5 for the impact indicator. The efficiency indicator was given a score of 2, due to the fact that some of the modules were compressed or even eliminated. Despite this, because the objectives and goals were achieved, the effectiveness indicator was given a score of 3. The effectiveness indicator, in turn, relates to both efficiency and effectiveness, and was given a score of 2. Originality/Value: This study highlights the importance of training women to promote female autonomy in beekeeping and meliponiculture in the Jequitinhonha Valley. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced by the need to develop public policies aimed at women in the beekeeping sector.