BETWEEN GLOBAL EXPANSION AND LOCAL DECLINE: SUSTAINABILITY OF HONEY PRODUCTION IN THE FACE OF LAND-USE CHANGES IN TEIXEIRA DE FREITAS, BAHIA (2010-2023)

Abstract

Honey is a high-value apicultural product whose supply depends on the ecosystem integrity. This study analyzed the honey value chain at multiple scales, with a focus on Teixeira de Freitas (BA), integrating production data and land-use information from 2010 to 2023 to assess the competitiveness and sustainability of beekeeping and to identify the impact of silviculture and urbanization on local production. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of secondary data obtained from official databases with qualitative interpretation of socioeconomic, environmental, and organizational factors. The results indicate that global production reached approximately 1.8 million tons in 2023, with China accounting for 25.2% of the total, while Brazil consolidated its position as the eighth-largest producer, with 64 thousand tons and an upward trend. In contrast, Teixeira de Freitas experienced a sharp decline in production, decreasing from 157,105 kg in 2017 to 11,734 kg in 2023, equivalent to a 92.53% reduction. The analyses suggest a structural shift around 2019, associated with the expansion of silviculture, urban growth, and fragmentation of native vegetation, compounded by low processing and certification capacity. It is concluded that local recovery requires public policies focused on vegetation conservation, landscape management, sanitary infrastructure, productive organization, and certifications.