BEEKEEPING IN CASHEW-TREE FIELDS: TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BEEKEEPERS’ PERCEPTIONS IN M’BENGUÉ SUBPREFECTURE (NORTHERN CÔTE D’IVOIRE)

Cashew tree farms can provide favorable conditions for beekeeping, which in turn offers the opportunity to optimize flower pollination and cashew nut production. Despite its significant potential benefits, the integration of beekeeping with cashew farms is limited in Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of beekeeping associated with cashew farms and beekeepers’ perceptions of this integration in the subprefecture of M’Bengué. A survey was conducted among 30 beekeepers whose apiaries are located in cashew farms. Observations were made at the apiaries located in cashew farms. The beekeepers’ professional experience ranges from one to six years. A total of 495 hives, including 417 Kenyan hives (84.24%) and 78 Langstroth hives (15.76%), were counted in the cashew orchards. Small apiaries accounted for 83.33%, while medium-sized apiaries constituted 16.67%. The hive occupation rate was 91.37% for Kenyan hives, 100% for Langstroth hives, and 92.73% for all hives. The method used to populate the hives is the capture of wild swarms. Honey is harvested by all beekeepers, while beeswax is harvested by 63.33% of beekeepers. The majority of beekeepers (70%) view the integration of beekeeping with cashew farms as a practice that increases honey production, cashew nut production, and income. For the remaining beekeepers (30%), this integration has no impact on honey production, cashew nut production, or income. The integration of beekeeping with cashew farms is a relatively recent development in the M’Bengué subprefecture. However, the majority of beekeepers view it as a practice that benefits honey production, cashew nut production, and income.