Meliponiculture in Mexico: problems and perspective for development

GONZÁLEZ-ACERETO Beekeeping with stingless bees (meliponiculture) in Mexico is an ancient tradition which today is in the process of disappearing as a consequence of changes in cultural, economic and ecological factors. This article reviews the historical background of meliponiculture as well as its potential uses in Mexico. Meliponiculture could be revived, providing an important source of income for peasant farmers in areas where the use of Africanized honey bees is restricted, provided technical and marketing problems are solved. We outline the current weaknesses and the changes needed to exploit these bees to their full potential for honey and wax production and use in other activities such as pollination.