SWOT analysis of beekeeping in the Yucatan Peninsula

Abstract

The objective of this work is to identify and analyze through a participatory diagnosis the main strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats of beekeeping in the Yucatan Peninsula. Three participatory workshops were held with beekeepers in the states of Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. The study was based on the SWOT analysis procedure as a diagnostic tool. The analysis indicated that the main strengths of beekeeping in the Yucatan Peninsula are the experience, organization of the producers and the biodiversity that the beekeeping flora provides to the Apis mellifera bees to produce honey. The weaknesses were the lack of good practice, lack of knowledge in administration and location of their apiaries. In the area of opportunities, government support, cooperatives and access to new markets stood out. Finally, the threats were climate change (droughts, hurricanes), the use of pesticides, beehive pests and fluctuating honey prices. This diagnosis is of great importance to propose improvement proposals for the strengthening of beekeeping activity in the Yucatan Peninsula.