Between flowers, humans, and honeybees: Local ecological knowledge associated with apiculture in two areas of Silípica department, Santiago del Estero, Argentina

CÉSPEDES, FERNANDO N.; GRIMALDI, PABLO A.; LADIO, ANA H.

Elem Sci Anth

California University Press

Lugar: California; Año: 2023 vol. 11

The production of honey for consumption is one of humans’ most intriguing activities in biocultural terms.Studies on Local Ecological Knowledge linked to Apiculture with Apis mellifera (LEKHA) are limited,particularly in Santiago del Estero (northern Argentina). In this work, we compared the LEKHA ofbeekeeping families in two different landscapes that show distinct socio-ecological characteristics:“rainfed” and “irrigation.” Through semi-structured and free interviews and the construction of localcalendars, together with 85% of the beekeepers of these zones, we investigated the LEKHA, honeybeeflora and methods of acquisition and transmission of management knowledge and practices. Participantsmentioned 96 honeybee flora species (63 in rainfed and 71 in irrigation), mainly native species, whichprovide with nectar and pollen. The apicultural and floral calendar was similar in these two areas,although the areas differed in the time of year certain activities were carried out and the richness andabundance of plant strata. This similarity could be related mainly to the strong cultural attachment ofinhabitants to some elements of their native “Monte” landscape which, despite having undergone someanthropic modifications, remains functional for beekeeping. The LEKHA in both areas was learnedidiosyncratically and by oblique transmission. We show how an activity related to the environmentrecreates and stimulates environmental knowledge, such that flowers, honeybees, and people form a bondof mutual care.