A Comprehensive review of the beekeeping sector in Morocco : honey bee diversity, health, challenges and conservation needs
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Morocco has been ranked second in Africa and fifth in the Mediterranean region in terms of bee species diversity. This diversity highlights the crucial role of beekeeping in supporting agricultural productivity through pollination services and represents a significant source of income for local communities. While the existing literature remains limited and largely focused on the biological effects of beekeeping products; particularly honey and propolis, this paper aims to provide an updated overview of the Moroccan beekeeping sector. The objective of this review is to highlight recent improvements and persistent challenges specific to Moroccan honey bee subspecies, as well as the main threats affecting their survival. The review presents first an updated overview of the beekeeping sector using the latest available statistics. Then it examines the diversity and geographic distribution of Moroccan honey bee subspecies, with special emphasis on the status and conservation issues faced by local subspecies such as the Saharan honey bee. The review also evaluates the current health status of honey bee populations and analyzes the primary factors contributing to colony loss events. In each section, it identifies key knowledge gaps and outlines priority research essential for improving the resilience and sustainability of these populations. Finally, it outlines prior research directions that could support the development of effective conservation strategies.
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7142829204
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