Estudio de factibilidad para la implementación de un centro de reproducción de abejas meliponas en la parroquia San Isidro cantón Morona.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to elaborate a feasibility study to determine the profitability of the production of honey from Melipona bees in San Isidro Parish, in Morona Canton, through a descriptive research for the analysis and interpretation of the characteristics of the study variables and a field work in the beekeeping establishments and in the homes of the canton. The qualitative approach was used in the collection of information through observation techniques and interviews with six honey beekeepers, while the quantitative approach was used in the processing and analysis of data from surveys conducted with a random sample of 375 inhabitants to determine the demand for the product. Interviews with honey producers showed that 50% of producers have between 5 and 10 hives with an approximate production of 250 grams of honey per hive. The surveys indicated that only 2% of the population consumes an estimated 250 grams of melipona honey per month; however, 100% of the population is willing to buy and consume honey if a honey production center is created. The market study determined an initial investment of 5653.79 USD for the project, being the working capital: 3751.94 USD and the initial fixed investment: 1901.85 USD, concluding that, under the proposed conditions this project is profitable, with an NPV of $ 8,892.68, IRR of 50% and a benefit-cost ratio of $ 0.39 cents, which demonstrates the viability and feasibility of the project. It is recommended to create an association of stingless beekeeping to access government incentives such as financing for local entrepreneurship projects and credits that allow the technification of processes and increase production.