Beekeeping in the context of declining vegetation cover in the rural commune of Guégnéka, Mali

Abstract

drastic decline in its production in the rural commune of Guégnéka. This decline in honey
production is explained by the unprecedented degradation of woody species. The death or stress
of trees caused by this degradation is the combined result of natural and human actions.
However, the decline and/or poor distribution of rainfall are among the natural causes. As for
small fauna, such as bees, the uncontrolled use of pesticides gives them no chance to flourish.
The critical lack of trees capable of supporting the hive has pushed many honey producers to
gradually withdraw from this highly beneficial activity. This article aims to analyze the
constraints and rehabilitation strategies of beekeeping in relation to the decline of vegetation
cover. The methodology used consisted of qualitative and quantitative surveys of stakeholders
(beekeepers, lumberjacks, farmers, charcoal producers, resource persons and technical services)
in order to collect their perceptions and opinions on traditional beekeeping in relation to the
decline of vegetation cover. The following results were obtained from the surveyed population:
23% declared themselves to be beekeepers; 76% declared themselves not to be beekeepers and
1% abstained from answering the question; 72% confirmed the decline in vegetation cover; 23% denied the phenomenon. The interviews revealed, among other things: the decline in honey production, the drastic reduction in woody species, the decline in the bee population and the rehabilitation of resilient producers in the face of the challenges of deforestation.