Contribution to the development of the beekeeping sector in Burundi: ethnobotanical study of melliferous plant species, practices and the physicochemical quality of honey

General objective

The main objectives are to evaluate the population’s knowledge and practices regarding beekeeping and to determine the specific characteristics of the honey and highlighting the characteristics linked to the terroir with a view to labelling.

Summary

In a predominantly agricultural country, developing the beekeeping sector in forested areas not only helps to protect the environment but also improves the quality of the honey produced and increases agricultural production.

This project aims to develop Burundi’s beekeeping sector by pooling the indigenous knowledge, scientific expertise and technology available in Burundi, Morocco and Belgium.
It specifically investigates (i) Burundian beekeeping knowledge and practices, (ii) potentially profitable melliferous plant species for their development and dissemination in agroforestry, forestry and woodland systems, and (iii) the quality and distinctive characteristics of honey in different production areas.

In terms of results, this project will provide a better understanding of traditional knowledge and the ecological and environmental parameters that determine honey quality, with a view to developing Burundi’s beekeeping sector. It will also look at the living conditions of Burundian beekeepers and farmers.

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