•Bee pollination is not only critical for increased agricultural production but also essential for healthy forests.
•Sustainable production of food from crops was a central theme amidst a changing climate.
Image: HANDOUT
Today is World Bee Day; a day set aside to celebrate the great work done by this insect and other pollinators.
To raise awareness on the critical role of pollinators – so silently do they work that they are easily forgotten by human beings whose very survival relies on them.
This day endeavours to bring to the fore man-made threats to the well-being of the bee.
The day has been observed since 2018 when it was passed during the UN General Assembly 72nd session that declared May 20th as World Bee Day.
This year’s World Bee Day theme is “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production.”
The goal this year is to create awareness of the adoption of agricultural production practices that are friendly to the bee.
In 2021, the globe called all the actors onto a table to discuss sustainable agri-food systems as a step towards the realization of global food security.
Sustainable production of food from crops was a central theme amidst a changing climate.
This year’s World Bee Day theme is a continuation of this debate with a stoplight on food production and the important role played by pollinators, key among them the bee.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s current Strategic Framework is anchored on Four Betters – namely Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and a Better Life.
This small insect plays a role in ensuring better production through pollination, in the process making available nutritious food for human and feeds for animals, not to forget its own food – honey that has many nutritional and health benefits.
Further, they contribute to the well-being of crops and trees ensuring a Better Environment - all these subsequently contribute to a Better Life for all beings under the sun.
In addition, this insect is a major contributor towards the realization of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development through the Sustainable Development Goals in its role to ensure food security.
Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in the well-being of the ecosystem; 75 per cent of the world’s food crops and 90 per cent of world's wild flowering plant species depend on pollinators to yield and feed humanity.
Bee pollination is not only critical for increased agricultural production but also essential for healthy forests and other plant life as well and therefore destruction of bees would have a negative impact on agriculture and forest sectors.
Changes in the agricultural practices for instance excessive use of pesticides and monoculture are a threat to bees and other pollinators, killing them and reducing access to their food -nectar.
This is not just a threat to the biodiversity of our ecosystem but to the survival of humanity.
The use of chemicals in agriculture as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and even antibiotics results in the deaths of bees and other pollinators.
Their death in essence kills biodiversity. Reduction in bee populations due to human activities is tantamount to shooting oneself in the foot as it means almost a propionate reduction in crop yields and hence a slide towards food insecurity.
As we celebrate World Bee Day, it will be important to embrace agricultural activities that are friendly to this insect and other pollinators. Because the very agricultural production depends on these pollinators.
It is a time to cultivate this symbiotic relationship which despite its importance remains “unseen” unappreciated by the very humanity that these insects tirelessly support.
The Government of Kenya through the National Beekeeping Policy 2009 recognizes the vital role bees and other pollinators play in agricultural production.
The policy hopes to regulate the indiscriminate use of pesticides and agrochemicals that have resulted in the killing of bees and other commercial insects leading to low crop yields because of reduced crop pollination.
FAO works with the Government of Kenya and various stakeholders across the globe on several initiatives that aim to increase awareness on the critical role played by bees in ensuring food security and healthy ecosystems.
This year’s celebrations are held in Marigat, Baringo County; A well-chosen area given the high number of beekeepers and honey production.
During the event, various stakeholders will showcase various sustainable bee production technologies and value addition to honey.
As FAO we commit to our to continue working with these stakeholders to ensure that these innovations are not only adopted but upscaled.
(Hamisi Williams is the Assistant FAO Kenya Representative Programmes)