Perspectives in the beekeeping value chain: innovation and development in the northern region of Colombia

Abstract

Colombia and its regions have abundant botanical wealth and climatic conditions suitable for the development of beekeeping. The Caribbean region is promoting the practice of beekeeping as an activity with benefits to ecosystems, human health, and socioeconomic positioning. The objective of this research is to determine the state of beekeeping in the Colombian Caribbean region and the areas where it is necessary to make improvement actions. The methodology was carried out following bibliographic reviews in databases and government reports, and the surveys were applied through Google Forms. The main results showed the need for more regulations in beekeeping and derived products, the low development of value-added products in the Caribbean region, as well as few technologies for the management of apiaries and the genetic manipulation of bees. The surveys of beekeepers corroborated their perception of some of the areas in which the beekeeping sector requires research and development.