Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Evaluation of sustainability of the beekeeping sector in the North West Region of Romania

Author(s):

Cristina Bianca Pocol ¹, Liviu Alexandru Mărghitaş ², Anca Aurora Popa ²

Recieved Date: 2012-05-10, Accepted Date: 2012-10-08

Abstract:

In many European Union countries, the beekeeping sector is in decline due to the decrease of the agricultural land areas, pesticides and bee diseases. However, there are countries where honey production is augmenting. Romania is among the countries where honey production has considerably increased over the last decade. Based on this fact, the present research aims to investigate how this spectacular development meets the criteria of sustainability.  In order to attain this objective, the research focused on the North West Region of Romania as one of the top performing regions in terms of beekeeping development. The research methods used were both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (focus group). The information that best meets the criteria of sustainability was selected out of the data collected and processed. From the economic point of view, beekeeping is a profitable business, but it is dependent on climatic conditions. Nevertheless, it does not exist a powerful system of promotion and distribution of bee products in the region under study. From a social perspective, beekeeping contributes to rural development by creating jobs, as practicing this activity ensures a decent living for vulnerable groups. The implications of beekeeping upon the environment are particularly beneficial due to the pollination services and for determining the conservation of biodiversity. The study could have favourable implications for beekeepers, honey processors and consumers as it identifies solutions that determine the optimization of the economic performance of beekeepers and the increase of honey consumption, which is very low. The originality of the study lies in the fact that there has not been so far in Romania an analysis of the sustainable development of beekeeping. 

Keywords:

Beekeeping, sustainable, development, evaluation, Romania

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2012
Volume: 10
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 1132-1138

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