More than Machinery: An Exploratory Study of Technological Levels in Honey and Pollen Production

Introduction: Beekeeping is a key activity for rural development, yet technological characterization remains limited in local contexts. This research reviews apiculture at both global and Colombian levels, placing particular emphasis on the two most relevant products in the region: honey and pollen. Objective: The study aimed to assess the technological level of beekeepers in Cundinamarca, Colombia, through an exploratory characterization of the technologies used in their production systems. Methods: An exploratory case study was conducted, informed by literature specific to the Colombian context. A technological index, constructed through principal component analysis, was proposed and applied to a group of 16 beekeepers to measure the adoption of technologies in their daily operations. Results: The index indicated that the technological level was insufficient for general production aspects and for pollen production in particular. In contrast, the technological level for honey production was found to be acceptable. Conclusions: The study concludes that while honey production practices are established, there is a critical need to enhance soft technologies and general management for pollen and overall operations. Soft technologies, rather than physical equipment, were found to be the main differentiator of beekeepers' technological level, a finding that underscores the study's original contribution. Key strategies are highlighted to improve the technological capabilities of the analyzed beekeepers.