A new study indicates that temperature variations and water provision are key to sustaining bee populations in Kenya, revealing a 10% decrease in colony loss when water is supplemented. Conducted over a year, the research identified a 36% average loss in honeybee colonies among beekeepers, emphasizing the impact of climate change. The findings advocate for adaptive management practices, including the potential of water supplementation, to mitigate the adverse effects of changing climates on beekeeping.
A recent study emphasizes the importance of adjusting to temperature variations and providing water to save bee colonies in Kenya, particularly during extreme weather. The research reveals that beekeepers supplementing water can reduce colony loss by up to 10%. Honeybees, especially the Western honeybee, are vital for pollination and contribute significantly to the agricultural economy, but they are facing threats from climate change, particularly during prolonged droughts.
The study investigated beekeeping in Kenya over a year, from October 2021 to September 2022, revealing an average colony loss of 36% among participating farmers due to climatic impacts. It’s noted that higher temperatures led to greater losses during dry spells, with reductions up to 31.9% compared to wet conditions, where losses reached only 20.2%. The researchers engaged with 589 beekeepers across varied climatic zones, ensuring comprehensive data collection.
Despite initiatives aimed at improving the health of managed honeybees worldwide, there is a lack of specific data on colony losses in Africa. The study’s co-author, Malena Sibaja Leyton, indicated that this research offers the first large-scale estimates of honeybee loss in Kenya, linking higher temperatures to increased losses and highlighting water supplementation as a viable adaptive strategy.
Leyton advocates for the use of water supplementation, stating, “We found that providing water to bees helps reduce livestock decrease during hot and dry periods, which could represent a strategy for beekeepers to maintain their colonies.” She also points out that seasonal weather patterns can inform additional preventative measures for beekeepers, such as relocating hives and ensuring adequate forage.
Industry expert Daniel Waigwa corroborates the study’s findings, noting the direct impact of climate change on honeybee productivity in his experience managing a honeybee farm. He mentions, “We do indeed experience losses in honeybee production during certain periods, especially in cases of extended drought seasons,” highlighting the economic repercussions following bee population declines.
Ezekiel Ndunda from Kenyatta University stresses the necessity for extended studies to correlate honeybee population changes with long-term climate trends. His insights underline the complexity of climate impacts on beekeeping, suggesting integrated climate change models for predicting future scenarios. Ndunda calls attention to adaptive management strategies and evaluations of beekeeping education to address climate adaptation practices effectively.
In conclusion, the study highlights the critical need for adaptive management strategies to counter the adverse effects of climate change on honeybee colonies in Kenya. With significant colony losses linked to rising temperatures and drought conditions, the incorporation of water supplementation and educational programs for beekeepers could prove essential for sustaining honeybee populations. This research underlines the economic and ecological importance of honeybees, affirming the urgency to develop resilient beekeeping practices in response to changing climatic conditions.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
