3rd Edition of Agriculture, Forestry, and Horticulture World Conference 2027

Abstract

Since antiquity, honey has played a significant role in both the diet and the pharmacopoeia of the inhabitants of the wilaya of Tizi-Ouzou. The Kabylia region is particularly favorable to apiculture due to its rich biodiversity of melliferous flora, including, Eucalyptus globulus, Cistus monspeliensis, Thymus vulgaris, Erica arborea, Arbutus unedo, and Inula viscosa. In 2021, the wilaya of Tizi-Ouzou recorded 124 056 active colonies (DSA, 2022). The average honey yield, estimated at 5 kg per hive, remains considerably below the productive potential of Apis mellifera intermissa, which has been reported to reach up to 20 kg per hive (Louveaux, 1985). The present study was therefore undertaken to survey 198 apiaries with the aim of identifying deficiencies in management practices, estimating colony mortality rates, and investigating the probable causes underlying these losses. A structured questionnaire was developed, comprising two main sections: socioeconomic characteristics and technical management aspects.
Findings from the survey indicate that beekeeping in the region is predominantly a male activity, with men representing 89% of practitioners, while women account for only 11%. This gender imbalance is likely related to the location of apiaries, as 75% are established in scrubland habitats, compared to only 25% situated within 1 km of dwellings. Regarding education, 70% of beekeepers had completed primary or secondary school, whereas 26% held a university degree. The age of respondents ranged from 17 to 71 years. Beekeeping was reported as a secondary activity by 61% of participants, while 39% practiced it as their primary occupation. A majority of beekeepers (70%) reported acquiring their expertise through training programs, whereas 30% inherited traditional knowledge from family or the local beekeeping community. Notably, traditional cork hives, which currently represent only 7% of managed hives, are progressively disappearing. On average, beekeepers reported the loss of seven colonies.
Apiaries located at lower altitudes exhibited higher colony mortality, with losses occurring even outside the winter season. All respondents reported wasp attacks, yet none declared the presence of the invasive Asian hornet, which has never been observed in the region. Conversely, Varroa destructor was present in nearly all colonies, except for a few isolated hives, and more than 98% of beekeepers reported implementing control measures against this parasite. Ascosphaera apis was recorded in 129 apiaries, European foulbrood in 121 apiaries, and American foulbrood in 50 apiaries. Moreover, 27.78% of beekeepers observed abnormal symptoms in bees returning from foraging, resembling intoxication; however, no laboratory analyses were undertaken to confirm such cases.
Overall, several constraints continue to challenge beekeeping in Tizi-Ouzou, particularly the recurrent occurrence of wildfires in scrubland and forested areas. With regard to production, although current yields remain below the potential of the region, improvements may be expected over time. Despite the country’s vast geographical area and its diversity of microclimates, the practice of migratory beekeeping (transhumance) remains limited among local beekeepers. A thorough analysis of apiary management practices, performance levels, and development perspectives of the beekeeping sector in this wilaya could therefore contribute to enhancing the profitability of apiculture in this mountainous region, thereby supporting the livelihoods of beekeepers and improving their standard of living.