Using Analytic Hierarchy Process to Assess Beekeeping Suitability in Portuguese Controlled Areas: A First Approach

Simple Summary Beekeeping is an activity that supports agriculture and wildlife on earth, so it is very important to provide accurate information that is able to help in increasing the profitability of beekeeping and valorize pollination services. In this paper, a new methodology is proposed to assess beekeeping potential using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The proposed tool will support decision making by selecting the best apiary locations to maximize honey production and, consequently, the risks of losing bee colonies will be reduced. The Suitability map (apiary aptitude map) allows for validating the best locations for apiaries (considering the spatial and floristic resources use), and the aptitude for installing new apiaries or moving existing ones. In this sense, the application of Multi-criteria GIS Analysis, in the context of beekeeping planning, is a useful tool for the Beekeepers Association to manage honeybee resources within the territory in order to maximize their profit, and for government agencies to implement promotional measures and policies to maximize food support needs and mitigate spared diseases.Abstract Beekeeping management is greatly influenced by spatial factors (e.g., land use/land cover, roads, or electrical energy networks), so GIS are a powerful tool to overlap and relate a variety of spatial data levels and, consequently, a very useful tool for beekeeping activity planning. This study was developed within the intervention area of three controlled zones managed by Portuguese Beekeepers Associations. The methodology, based on multi-criteria decision analysis, integrates several criteria, such as hydrographic networks, road networks, soil occupation, solar radiation, and electromagnetic radiation sources. These criteria were proposed and evaluated through online questionnaires carried out with beekeepers. Concerning the selected criteria and the respective geographical data, the most relevant were land use/land cover and water availability, with a significance of 44% and 24%, respectively. The beekeeping suitability map enabled us to evaluate the degree of compliance for the actual location of apiaries, with 60% of the apiaries being installed in high potential areas. In the context of beekeeping planning, the potential of the techniques applied seems to be an important tool for optimizing the location of apiaries and the profitability of beekeeping.