Bees are remarkable insects known for their profound influence on ecosystems, as they serve as crucial pollinators of foliage. They are champions of biodiversity, holding significant importance in environmental stability, economic prosperity, and food security. While their pivotal role in natural systems is evident, their contribution to human survival cannot be overstated. Among the multitude of ways these insects benefit us, agriculture stands out as a prime example. Bees are indispensable to agriculture, primarily for their role in pollination and honey production. To put their impact into perspective, In the Western Cape province alone, approximately 91,000 beehives are presently needed to support the deciduous fruit sector.
Despite bees being such a vital species to both nature and human beings, they continue to face threat of extinction. Agriculture, which has led to a shortage of forage, stands as a substantial factor in their vulnerability, and this stems from various reasons, including:
Changes in land use and landscape management: Conflicting land use and agricultural methods, have been demonstrated to jeopardise bee populations due to the loss of their habitats.
Accessibility to important and secure forage resources: Majority of beekeepers typically lack ownership of the land where their beehives are situated or the areas available for foraging. Permission to access favourable forage locations remains a persistent issue for beekeepers. This situation places stress on the available foraging
resources and fosters an excess of hives in the area, potentially hampering hive productivity, intensifying competition with other pollinators, and facilitating the spread of diseases, pests, and pathogens.
Crop chemical regimes that affect the viability of crops: Several different crops play a crucial role as significant food sources for bees, particularly during periods when native vegetation may not be in bloom. Unfortunately, these crops are frequently exposed to extensive pesticide use for pest control, which can result in bee fatalities. As a consequence, beekeepers may be hesitant to position their hives within agricultural regions.
Impacts of climate change: The severe occurrences linked to climate change, like a heightened occurrence of wildfires and prolonged droughts, influence the availability of food and suitable living conditions for bees. Unfavourable shifts in temperature also disrupt flowering patterns, leading to a misalignment in the seasonal timing of when flowers supply sufficient nectar and pollen for bees.
The question arises: How can we transform this situation and guarantee our active role in providing bees with access to sufficient and high-quality forage? Let's take a closer look at what it will require to improve this situation.
Promote Bee-Foraging Sites
This can be done by preserving the existing natural vegetation on land and avoiding clearing untouched land unnecessarily. If authorisation for land clearing is needed, make sure to consider pollinator habitat and foraging needs in your application. Adhere to environmental impact assessment procedures, land-use planning guidelines, and adopt best agricultural practices.
Indigenous Pollinator Plants
When gardening, establishing windbreaks, or work on land rehabilitation, opt for plants that are friendly to pollinators, particularly bees, to encourage the growth of pollinator habitats. When selecting indigenous plants, it's essential to choose species that are well-suited to your region and bloom at various times throughout the year. Prioritise plants that bloom during periods when the crops in your area, such as fruit trees, are no longer flowering, potentially providing valuable support to honey bees.
Use Complementary Planting, Crop Rotation, and Weed Management
Consider planting complementary crops like lavender and basil, or fodder crops such as clover and vetch, between the rows of existing orchards or along field edges and margins. Another option is to introduce crop rotation with legumes, which not only provides essential forage for pollinators and honey bees but also enriches the soil for subsequent crops. Avoid removing weeds that bees find attractive, like wild radish and cosmos.
Protect Hives
Collaborate with beekeepers to guarantee the security of beehive locations, making them inaccessible to any threat. Both environmental threats and human interference.
Use Chemicals Responsibly
Honey bees will forage on any flowering crop, particularly those that are highly attractive like canola, lucerne, sunflowers, and citrus, as well as other flowers and weeds. It's crucial to consider this when applying chemicals. Always read the label and adhere to the provided instructions.
Bees are like nature's unsung heroes. They might seem small, but their job is huge. Our world's ecosystems hinge on the vital role of bees and their foraging activities. They help secure our food, protect diverse plant life, and promote environmental resilience. It is important to ensure that bees have access to good food, which will allow us to have a more harmonious coexistence with nature. It's all about adopting bee-friendly agricultural practices, protecting natural habitats, and reducing the harmful impacts of pesticides. Together, we ensure that the beautiful symphony of pollination continues, resulting in a more biodiverse ecosystem and sustainable agricultural practices.
As we move forward, let us remain committed to the well-being of these tiny yet mighty allies. By safeguarding the flowers that sustain them, we not only secure our own future but also contribute to a healthier, more balanced planet. In nurturing the relationship between bees and their forage, we enable a bright future for generations to come, where the invaluable contribution of these remarkable insects continues to enrich our lives and the natural world.
Wild Regards,
Team ReWild Africa