Analysis of the participation of women and young people in Apis mellifera honey value chain in Somoto

Abstract

The study was conducted in the municipality of Somoto, Madriz department, 217 km from Managua, Nicaragua. The objectives were: to determine roles, access to resources, and decision-making; to identify social, economic, and cultural factors that influence participation; as well as to identify elements for developing action lines to strengthen the participation of young people (ages 18–30) and women over 30 years old in the honey value chain. The instruments used were surveys and interviews, with a "non-experimental" methodological design, following a descriptive-explanatory study of the area, using a mixed qualitative–quantitative method. The sample selected was the total of 33 beekeepers that make up the population. It was found that 69% of young beekeepers are involved in the roles and 67% are the ones making decisions in activities. There is no active involvement of women in the production stage; however, on average, 5% participate in the value chain. Young people show the highest percentage of participation across all study variables. Among social factors, marital status does not affect or limit youth participation (75%). According to the youth, the most favorable economic factor that does not limit them is the presence of government policies and programs, with 70% reporting no limitation. Regarding cultural factors, religion is not considered a limiting factor, with 95% reporting no influence. The supporting organizations involved include INPRHU.