The Learning Process Creation for Apis Dorsata and Stingless Bee Keeping and Creating for Community Enterprise Development Potential based on Local Resources in Songkhla

Abstract

The research project in Songkhla Province aimed to enhance community enterprises' potential by innovating beekeeping and propagating stingless bee species. It had two primary objectives: 1) analyzing challenges faced by community enterprises involved in raising and propagating stingless bees and 2) establishing a learning process for community enterprises to raise and propagate stingless bees, incorporating new products. The project targeted ten community enterprises total 40 persons, each in a different subdistrict, including Bang Klam, Bang Riang, Khlong Rang, Kamphaeng Phet, Cha Lae, Pak Bang, Tha Chang, Tha Chamuang, Chalung, and Khun Tad Wai. Research tools included area surveys, focus groups, and workshops, involving representatives from community enterprises, network groups, government agencies, and local farmers. The findings highlighted the need for knowledge transfer in beekeeping practices, propagation, and harvesting of stingless bee products. Knowledge exchange activities and expert collaborations led to innovative commercial beekeeping box designs, including rectangular boxes, addressing beekeeping challenges and increasing honey yields. The project yielded positive outcomes for the community enterprises, with the number of beehives doubling from 6,440 to 12,580, resulting in a substantial income increase from 19,320,000 baht to 37,740,000 baht. This represented a remarkable 95.34 percent income growth, underscoring the project's success in improving the economic prospects of beekeeping community enterprises in Songkhla Province.