Exploring Local Community Knowledge in Traditional Beekeeping Practices in Samasundu Village, Polewali Mandar Regency

Menelusuri Pengetahuan Lokal Masyarakat Dalam Praktik Perlebahan Tradisional Di Desa Samasundu, Kabupaten Polewali Mandar

Abstract

This study aims to describe the local knowledge of the Samasundu community in traditional beekeeping activities that have been preserved amidst the currents of modernization. This knowledge has been passed down through generations and forms an integral part of the community’s way of life, particularly in the sustainable management of natural resources. The research was conducted in Samasundu Village, Limboro District, Polewali Mandar Regency, using a descriptive qualitative approach. Informants were selected using the snowball sampling technique, while data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, literature review, and documentation. Data analysis involved data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the local knowledge of the Samasundu community is reflected in their ability to determine beekeeping seasons based on natural signs, the selection of tree species for bee nests such as mango (Mangifera indica L.), candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus), and banyan (Ficus benjamina), as well as their skill in identifying honeycombs ready for harvest. During the harvesting process, the community continues to use traditional tools such as sulo (smoker) and perring (bamboo ladder), which reflect the integration of local knowledge and ecological adaptation. Beyond its economic value, honey is also used as a traditional medicine to maintain health and accelerate wound healing. These findings indicate that the local knowledge of the Samasundu community plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, strengthening socio-economic resilience, and representing a form of cultural adaptation to the dynamics of modern change.