Beekeepers perception of risks affecting colony loss: A pilot survey

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Sociology
• Ecology

Background:

• Amateur beekeepers' perceptions of risks are crucial for understanding adoption of bee health management practices.
• Bee health is threatened by factors including climate change, Varroa mites, pesticides, and management practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate amateur beekeepers' perceptions of risks affecting bee health and mortality.
• To analyze how these perceptions influence the adoption of good management practices.

Main Methods:

• A sociological perception survey was designed and administered online to 355 beekeepers in Belgium.
• A two-sample t test with unequal variances compared beekeepers with colony loss rates below (<10%) and above (≥10%) the acceptable level.

Main Results:

• Beekeepers with colony loss rates <10% (N=213) reported higher average perceived risks and benefits of action.
• This suggests increased motivation among these beekeepers to adopt improved management strategies.

Conclusions:

• Perception of risks and benefits significantly influences amateur beekeepers' motivation for better management practices.
• Risk mitigation strategies for bee mortality should consider psychological factors beyond socio-economic determinants.