Importância socioeconômica da produção de própolis vermelha em Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas

Abstract

The red propolis produced in the mangroves of Alagoas State has become the object of intense pharmacological and chemical study in recent years, due to the numerous biological properties this product has. Consequently, the product significantly increases its value to the market. The present work seeks to analyze the socioeconomic importance resulting from the production of red propolis in the municipality of Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas. Through the application of questionnaires to local beekeepers, it was possible to trace their socioeconomic profile, as well as to understand the influence of beekeeping on the total income of these extractivists, highlighting the importance given for the production of red propolis. The socioeconomic profile of beekeepers showed a basic level average education, with the main source of income between 2 and 3 minimum income from wage from salaried work. Beekeeping emerges as a complement to income for most interviewed. Interviews with teachers of public elementary school highlighted the deficiency in performing activities that bring students closer to the environment in which they are inserted. It is important to develop activities that insert the student into the environment around them, highlighting the importance not only economic of extractivism, but also cultural and for environmental conservation.