Historical Reconstruction of Beekeeping Public Policies in Chile (1968-2022): Transitioning between a Protagonist State, State Withdrawal and Public-Private Articulation

Abstract

Beekeeping worldwide and in Chile is an activity of great importance for the rural economy, the protection of the melliferous flora and food security, through pollination services. For this reason, international organizations and States consider it a strategic activity for rural development and, accordingly, recent policies formulated in Chile have subscribed to some of these perspectives. There are currently multiple threats to honey bees and other pollinators, which are expressed differently in different countries. Consequently, the study of beekeeping policies is of utmost relevance. In this article, through the analysis of archives and bibliographic sources, a historical reconstruction of the beekeeping policies promoted in Chile between 1968 and 2022 is carried out. Four stages were identified according to institutional designs, thematic orientations and scales of application. It concludes with the main challenges detected for the study of these policies in the country.