Study Finds Water Provision Can Mitigate Climate Impact on Kenyan Honeybees
A study in Kenya reveals that temperature fluctuations lead to significant honeybee colony losses, with water provision as an effective mitigation strategy. Research shows that colonies experienced an average loss of 36% due to climate change between 2021 and 2022. The findings underscore the importance of water supplementation and adaptive management practices for beekeepers facing climate challenges.
A recent study indicates that temperature variations, particularly during dry and wet seasons, can markedly contribute to bee colony losses. Research conducted in Kenya showed that implementing water provision strategies can alleviate these losses by up to 10%. Honeybees, especially the Western honeybee, are essential for pollination and the production of various goods such as honey and beeswax. The study, which assessed the impact of climate change on bee populations, found that farmers lost an average of 36% of their bee colonies between October 2021 and September 2022 due to these environmental influences.
The findings of the research highlight that the highest colony loss rates occur during extreme temperature conditions. Specifically, losses reached up to 31.9% during hot and dry spells, in contrast to 20.2% during cooler, wetter periods. This comprehensive study engaged 589 beekeepers, allowing for a representative understanding of the diverse climatic conditions and beekeeping practices across coastal areas, semiarid regions, and tropical forests in Kenya.
Despite ongoing global efforts to safeguard honeybee health, there remains a significant lack of data concerning bee colony losses in Africa, especially within sub-Saharan regions. According to Malena Sibaja Leyton, a co-author of the study, this research furnishes the first extensive estimates of honeybee population reductions in Kenya, emphasizing that while increased temperatures exacerbate colony losses, rainfall may help mitigate adverse effects. Leyton stated, “This study provides the first large-scale estimates of honeybee livestock decrease in Kenya. It highlights that higher temperatures increase livestock decrease, but precipitation can mitigate these effects.”
Moreover, the research underscores the importance of water supplementation as a crucial management strategy for mitigating colony decreases during extreme weather conditions. This sustainable practice has critical implications for beekeepers facing similar climatic challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Leyton suggests that consistent provision of water, alongside management changes such as relocating hives and ensuring sufficient shade, would enhance bee survival rates significantly.
Daniel Waigwa, a beekeeping professional in Kenya, echoes the study’s conclusions regarding climate change impacts on honeybee production. He attests to the economic consequences of declining bee populations, emphasizing that extended drought periods severely limit access to vital food sources for bees. Waigwa remarked, “Honeybee losses translate into money losses for people who rely on their products as our primary source of income.”
Ezekiel Ndunda, an academic expert, advocates for comprehensive longitudinal studies to explore the effects of climatic changes on honeybee populations. He highlights the intricacy of climate interactions, reiterating the necessity for adaptive management in beekeeping sectors. Ndunda asserts, “These findings highlight the necessity for adaptive management practices in beekeeping to improve colony survival amid climate change.”
This research emphasizes the imperative for Kenyan beekeepers to adapt their techniques, including providing supplementary resources and selecting resilient bee strains. Furthermore, Ndunda recommends a more structured investigation into educational programs related to climate adaptation strategies to enhance beekeeping sustainability in Kenya.
In conclusion, the study underscores the significant impact of climatic changes on honeybee populations in Kenya. The implementation of water supplementation can significantly reduce colony losses, especially during extreme weather conditions. Educating beekeepers on adaptive strategies and conducting further research could lead to improved practices and sustainable beekeeping amidst climate challenges. The economic implications of honeybee health are profound, necessitating immediate and ongoing adaptive measures.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
