Like beekeeping worldwide, the sector in Burkina Faso is an income-generating activity. However, it faces many challenges: unsuitable practices, environmental degradation, declining bee populations, etc. Our aim is to contribute to the sustainable improvement of beekeeping by promoting local knowledge and expertise in this activity. To achieve this, we conducted a survey of 96 beekeepers and observed apiaries in three key beekeeping regions to analyze endogenous practices. We found that beekeepers in the regions studied are predominantly male (96.3%) and older (only 4.17% under 30), with a high illiteracy rate (56.25%). Most hives are of the traditional type. Their management involves precise know-how: selection of isolated sites rich in melliferous plants and water, north-south orientation to mitigate bad weather, and nocturnal harvesting of “ripe” honey (from capped cells). Bee attractants consist of various substances, notably plant-based materials and wax. Beekeepers perceive a worrying decline in bee populations (85% of respondents), which are attributed to several factors: pesticides, deforestation, the drying up of water sources and climate change. This perception is based on observed frequent bee mortality, fewer wild swarms and lower harvests. Beekeepers also face significant difficulties: limited access to modern equipment, insecurity (theft of hives), conflicts with residents due to bee stings (sometimes fatal, reported in 78.49% of reported cases), and the low economic value of honey. Despite these obstacles, beekeeping remains important to them, both for its products (honey for therapeutic and food uses) and for its ecological role (pollination). This study highlights potential avenues for concerted actions to preserve both bees and the communities that depend on them.
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