USE OF STINGLESS BEES IN MELIPONICULTURE: ADVANTAGES, LIMITATIONS AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
USE OF STINGLESS BEES IN MELIPONICULTURE: ADVANTAGES, LIMITATIONS AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.809112612032
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Palavras-chave: abelhas sem ferrão; mel; polinização; valor agregado; sustentabilidade.
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Keywords: stingless bees; honey; pollination; added value; sustainability.
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Abstract: Stingless bees (Meliponini) play a fundamental role in ecosystem maintenance and agricultural production, standing out as key pollinators in tropical regions. In this context, meliponiculture has shown significant growth in Brazil, particularly in the Northeast, driven by the recognition of its ecological, economic, and sociocultural potential. This study aimed to analyze the expansion of meliponiculture, addressing its main advantages, limitations, and economic implications. It is a literature review based on national and international studies, focusing on aspects related to management, honey production, and the socioeconomic importance of this activity. The results indicate that meliponiculture presents several advantages, including high pollination efficiency, ease of management due to the docile behavior of stingless bees, and the production of high-value honey. However, limitations such as low productivity per colony, environmental sensitivity, and the need for technical training are highlighted. From an economic perspective, meliponiculture emerges as a promising alternative for income generation, especially in family farming systems, contributing to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. It is concluded that, despite existing challenges, meliponiculture has strong potential for expansion, provided that investments are made in public policies, technical training, and market valorization of its products.
- Elenilson Severino de Souza
- valeria wanderley teixeira
- glaucilane dos santos cruz
- Maria Clara da Nobrega Ferreira
- Alvaro Aguiar Coelho Teixeira