Determination of Risk Factors in Beekeeping Enterprises Producing Geographically Indicated Kars Honey

Beekeeping, besides yielding honey and various bee products like propolis, beeswax, royal jelly, pollen, and bee venom, also plays an essential role in plant pollination, thereby enhancing plant production. Turkiye, with its rich diversity of plant species, holds a favorable position in beekeeping. Beekeeping activities are widespread across all regions of Turkiye, providing a means of livelihood for numerous families and serving as a connector between continents. Despite these favorable conditions, risk factors within the beekeeping sector pose challenges. This study aims to identify these risk factors within beekeeping enterprises in Kars Province. Data were gathered through face-to-face questionnaires with active beekeeping enterprise owners in Kars Province, affiliated with the Central Union of Beekeepers of Turkiye. The study included 70 enterprises, and factor analysis was used to identify risk factors, categorized into eight titles. Implementing appropriate strategies to mitigate the impact of these risk factors is crucial for the sustainability of the beekeeping sector in Kars Province.