The Cape honeybee is struggling to find enough food, especially since many eucalyptus trees, which provide a significant portion of their food, have been removed. This might affect pollination in agriculture later on.
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This was revealed at the recent Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA) Honeybee Conference at Lourensford Estate, Somerset West, News24 reports.
‘The occurrence of extraordinary weather events such as windstorms, fire, flooding and drought, contribute to the loss of hives and foraging, therefore impacting the sustainability of beekeeping,’ says Dr Ruan Veldtman, biodiversity expert from the South African National Biodiversity Institute and Stellenbosch University’s Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology.
‘In recent years several alien wasp species are also threatening the survival of the Cape honeybee.’
Veldtman notes that there are approximately 1 700 beekeepers in the Western Cape with around 120 000 hives, as per Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural development statistics.
The Cape honeybee is a significant economic contributor playing a crucial role in pollinating approximately 50 essential food crops, including pome and certain stone fruits. Agricultural pollination contributes between R30 to R40 billion rand nationally, supporting jobs and food security.
‘The lack of unity in the beekeeping industry makes planning and implementing changes to cope difficult. In future, beekeeping will become more challenging and problems more complex and context-dependent.’
He suggested using scientific research to find solutions, regulations, and management strategies. Cooperation among beekeepers, farmers, researchers, and the government is crucial to solving upcoming issues.
Veldtman also highlighted the need for agriculture to adjust crop production and protection strategies to assist in managing pollinators. There’s a genuine concern that pollination demands may surpass supply.
‘We must secure enough natural areas around farms, increase biodiversity with cover crops and flower strips, and adhere to spraying programmes to protect bees.’
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