The role of rural extension in empowering women in the Areias rural settlement, Nioaque - MS, Brazil

Abstract

Beekeeping has emerged as a promising alternative to enhance the income of rural families in developing countries, particularly addressing challenges faced by women in such areas. This practice is seen as a potential means of female empowerment within communities. This article focuses on the role of rural extension activities in empowering women engaged in beekeeping in the Areias settlement in Nioaque-MS, Brazil. Situated along BR 419, the Areias settlement hosts an Apis mellifera honey bee apiary initiated with support from various projects. The project, funded by PROEC/UFGD since January 1, 2023, has entered a new phase involving three dedicated families. The initiative includes courses, participatory meetings, and theoretical discussions, providing guidance from project coordinators and field professionals. Despite challenges leading to a reduction in participants, the persistence of women in the households has contributed to the continuation of beekeeping. Regular visits focus on theoretical and practical aspects, covering material fabrication, swarm capture, bee management, and honey production. Notably, female family members actively lead hive management, while men support in more robust tasks. Among participating families, those persisting in beekeeping maintain 36 hives, yielding an annual honey production of approximately 940 kg. However, critical mistakes, such as lacking hive identification and management notes, hinder the apiary's full potential. While the extension activity has positively impacted income generation, challenges persist in fully realizing the economic potential of beekeeping. Women's active engagement remains crucial, but addressing identified shortcomings is imperative for the sustained success of this initiative.