A study in Kenya reveals that temperature fluctuations contribute to significant honeybee colony losses, with beekeepers providing water experiencing up to 10% less decline. An average loss of 36% of colonies was reported from October 2021 to September 2022. Recommendations include adopting water supplementation, managing hives according to climatic conditions, and conducting further research on climate impacts on bees.
Temperature fluctuations can lead to considerable losses in bee colonies throughout dry, hot, and wet seasons. However, a new study indicates that beekeepers who implement water supplementation can reduce colony loss by up to 10%. Conducted among Kenyan bee farmers from October 2021 to September 2022, the study revealed an average loss of 36% of honeybee colonies attributed to climate change.
Honeybees are essential for pollination and agricultural productivity, with the Western honeybee, or Apis mellifera, being the most commonly used species worldwide. Adverse climatic conditions, such as prolonged drought and the depletion of water sources, negatively affect honeybee populations and their access to forage, which includes flowering plants like mangoes. Researchers emphasize the need for ongoing studies examining the impact of educational programs on beekeepers’ adoption of climate adaptation strategies, including water provision.
The yearlong research, encompassing interviews with 589 beekeepers, found significantly higher colony losses during hot, dry conditions compared to wet, cold periods. Specifically, losses reached up to 31.9% during dry spells versus 20.2% during wetter times, indicating the importance of adequate water and resources in sustaining bee populations across different climatic zones.
The co-author of the study, Malena Sibaja Leyton, affirmed that the research performed is the first extensive assessment of honeybee population declines in Kenya, underscoring the benefits of water supplementation in mitigating hive losses. “This study provides the first large-scale estimates of honeybee livestock decrease in Kenya… water supplementation as an adaptive management strategy” – Sibaja Leyton.
Aside from water provision, Leyton suggests that beekeepers should consider environmental patterns for better management practices, such as relocating hives and providing supplemental food. These findings could aid beekeepers and policymakers in devising sustainable beekeeping strategies, while also serving as a foundation for future research into climate-bee interactions in tropical regions.
Daniel Waigwa, a beekeeper from Nyeri County, supports the study’s conclusions, noting significant production losses correlate with climate change impacts. “Honeybee losses translate into money losses… during certain periods, especially in cases [of] extended drought seasons” – Waigwa. He advocates for adaptive strategies to counteract adverse climate effects, such as selecting resilient bee strains and enhancing hive management methods.
Ezekiel Ndunda, a lecturer specializing in environmental economics, calls for longitudinal studies to better understand honeybee population trends relative to long-term climate variability. “The interaction between temperature and precipitation emphasizes the complexity of climate impacts on beekeeping” – Ndunda. He stresses the importance of incorporating climate forecasts into beekeeping practices to improve colony survival amid changing conditions.
Ndunda also urges research across sub-Saharan Africa to illustrate how diverse climates affect honeybee sustainability and calls for exploring the influence of beekeeping education on climate adaptation techniques. Combining climatic data with socioeconomic factors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by beekeepers in Kenya.
Climate change poses a significant threat to honeybee populations in Kenya, leading to substantial losses among beekeepers. Studies indicate that water supplementation may effectively mitigate these challenges, reducing colony losses during extreme weather events. Further research into adaptive management practices and educational initiatives is vital to improve the sustainability of beekeeping in the face of climate variability, ultimately preserving its economic significance.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
