1 min
Pollinators are an important component towards achieving food security, and addressing issues around their population's decline is a great step in the journey to zero hunger. In the last decade, our work with the farmers, living in the rural communities (in developing countries) has made us identify some major causes for the decline in the population of pollinators. These causes are habitat loss due to deforestation, the use of harmful pesticides on pollinators, bush burning practices causing pollution, and climate change.
There is an increasing need for wood and wood products as the human population increases. Woods are used for various purposes such as a source of fuel (in most rural communities), construction and housing and industrial uses amongst others. Thus, indiscriminate felling of trees has become a normal sight in these areas, leading to loss of habitat for the pollinators. In addition, pests attacks had become a menace in crop production due to its frequency and thus, the use of pesticides to manage them has increased, which could indirectly affect pollinators. Also, bush burning (a cultural practice) is a threat to pollinators causing pollution of the environment.
For climate change, it has been identified as a major threat to pollinators because of its ripple effects and its negative contributions to the other factors identified. For instance, a significant change in the temperature and water availability associated with climate change can drastically modify suitable habitats for pollinators, decreasing the survival rate of their larvae or adult; affect their mobility and reduce the quantity and quality of resources available to the pollinators. Therefore, we need to put in measures to manage the various factors identified that negatively impact pollinators.
We cannot achieve food security without addressing the factors contributing to the decline in the population of the pollinators. There are existing laws in place that address some of the issues raised but implementation and monitoring are very poor. Thus, we need to follow-up on these laws and put monitoring strategies in place to make implementation more effective. Also, we need to sensitise more farmers and rural dwellers on the importance of reforestation and environmental conservation. And lastly, promoting initiatives that help to increase the population of pollinators in the environment such as beekeeping projects, will be a great idea to embrace.
Our journey started many years ago towards food security but we are still far from our destination. Therefore, we need to do the right things now that will take us closer to achieving food security and zero hunger. Today is the only option for us, let us seize the opportunity NOW.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
For climate change, it has been identified as a major threat to pollinators because of its ripple effects and its negative contributions to the other factors identified. For instance, a significant change in the temperature and water availability associated with climate change can drastically modify suitable habitats for pollinators, decreasing the survival rate of their larvae or adult; affect their mobility and reduce the quantity and quality of resources available to the pollinators. Therefore, we need to put in measures to manage the various factors identified that negatively impact pollinators.
We cannot achieve food security without addressing the factors contributing to the decline in the population of the pollinators. There are existing laws in place that address some of the issues raised but implementation and monitoring are very poor. Thus, we need to follow-up on these laws and put monitoring strategies in place to make implementation more effective. Also, we need to sensitise more farmers and rural dwellers on the importance of reforestation and environmental conservation. And lastly, promoting initiatives that help to increase the population of pollinators in the environment such as beekeeping projects, will be a great idea to embrace.
Our journey started many years ago towards food security but we are still far from our destination. Therefore, we need to do the right things now that will take us closer to achieving food security and zero hunger. Today is the only option for us, let us seize the opportunity NOW.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
Related