Beekeeping: potential and constraints in Banikoara (Benin)

Beekeeping is an income-generating activity that provides employment for many people. It is closely linked to plants whose reproduction and survival depend on pollination and seed dispersal. This study contributes to a better understanding of the conditions necessary for the development of beekeeping, which is key to the conservation of bees, who are major pollinators. This study is based on a literature review, an inventory of nectar-producing plants and a survey of the factors that encourage and hinder the development of beekeeping. The results show that the beekeeping potential of the municipality hinges on the availability of nectar-producing plants and the effective organisation of those involved. However, deforestation, the use of pesticides, earwigs, beetles and termites pose major problems for the successful development of this sector in Banikoara. Scientists, those involved in beekeeping and members of the public will find in this book information enabling them to appreciate the beekeeping potential available in the municipality and the challenges facing the beekeeping sector.