Strengthening apicultural and agricultural partnerships with ecological knowledge to boost crop pollination in Croatia

Effective crop pollination hinges on the alignment of agricultural and apicultural practices with ecological knowledge. This study explores the dynamics between Croatian beekeepers and farmers, revealing overlapping but often uncoordinated approaches to pollination. Survey data indicate that 83.8% of beekeepers work part-time, aligning with broader trends observed across Europe. While honey production remains the primary source of income, pollination services contribute minimally, partly due to logistical barriers, weak institutional frameworks, and limited market incentives. Apiary placement is strongly influenced by seasonal floral resources, with a preference for grasslands, and selective avoidance of certain crops due to pesticide risks or low nectar flow. Farmers have reported a significant dependence on animal pollination (median 42.5%) and a strong reliance on managed honeybee colonies, however, wild insect pollinators and habitat enhancements remain underutilized. Despite widespread awareness, constraints, including technical gaps and financial limitations, hinder further engagement. The research emphasizes the urgent need to incorporate ecological knowledge into policy and practice. Promoting cooperative relationships, ecosystem service-based incentives, and regionally adapted training could enhance pollination outcomes. Part-time beekeepers could be a vital resource for expanding insect pollination services if they received better support. To strengthen partnerships between beekeepers and farmers in Croatia, it is necessary to coordinate efforts across policy, education, and land-use planning to fully unlock the ecological and economic potential of pollination.