The Impact of Producers' Knowledge of Meliponini Bees on Colony Health and Productivity

This study explores the Meliponini bee production system as a crucial component in the preservation of tropical ecosystems and sustainable agricultural production. Through research in Florencia (Caquetá, Colombia), the interactions between traditional knowledge and the management practices of producers are analyzed, with an emphasis on how technical training and institutional support affect the health and productivity of the colonies. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research aims to identify the key factors that determine the functionality and sustainability of this production system, highlighting the importance of technical training, institutional regulation, and the link between bees and agriculture. The results reveal that the success of meliponiculture depends on the integration of technical knowledge, appropriate management practices, and public policies that promote the development of the activity. Furthermore, it is concluded that the synergy between these elements is essential to ensure the future viability of meliponiculture in rural communities, promoting both the well-being of native species and the economic and ecological development of the region.