"Climate Change Posing Challenges for Bee Farmers in Kenyan Counties"
Bee farmers in Viiga and Nandi counties, Kenya, are grappling with the adverse effects of climate change on their livelihoods. The recognized alternative for farmers facing unpredictable planting seasons, beekeeping, plays a crucial role in pollination, impacting approximately 73% of the world's cultivated crops.
In the midst of an indigenous tree-filled woodlot in Jei village, Vihiga County, we meet Martin Kilavuka, a 52-year-old beekeeper with 24 hives. While beekeeping has been a lucrative venture for Kilavuka, he acknowledges the negative impact of climate change on his profession. Changes in weather patterns have affected crop production and honey harvesting, posing challenges to the beekeeping industry.
Evelyn Gerot, another bee farmer from Nandi County, echoes these concerns. With 80 traditional beehives, she has enjoyed extra income from beekeeping, but changes in weather patterns have led to a drop in crop production. The unpredictability of rainfall has affected honey harvesting, impacting the livelihoods of bee farmers like Gerot.
Richard Bo, Chief Officer in charge of climate change in Vihiga County, explains the implications of prolonged drought on beekeeping. Bees rely on vegetation for nectar production, and when prolonged drought affects flower production, the bees face challenges in honey production.
The article emphasizes the importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Bo highlights the county's climate change policy, which prioritizes beekeeping as a livelihood project. With funding of 5.6 million, the project aims to establish apiaries, provide training to the community, and procure protective gears.
Despite the challenges posed by climate change, the future of bee farming looks promising with concerted efforts from the government, local authorities, and development partners. By implementing climate change mitigation measures, such as planting indigenous trees, and prioritizing beekeeping as a livelihood project, bee farmers in Kenyan counties can create sustainable and resilient practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the main focus of the article?
- The article focuses on the impact of climate change on beekeeping, highlighting the experiences of bee farmers in Viiga and Nandi counties, Kenya.
How is climate change affecting beekeeping in the featured regions?
- Climate change is affecting beekeeping by causing fluctuations in weather patterns, leading to changes in crop production and honey harvesting. Bee farmers note a drop in honey production due to these climate-related challenges.
What role does beekeeping play in agriculture?
- Beekeeping is recognized as an alternative for farmers facing challenges from harsh weather and unpredictable planting seasons. Bees are major pollinators, influencing about 73% of the world's cultivated crops.
What mitigation and adaptation measures are mentioned in the article?
- The article mentions the importance of planting indigenous trees as a climate change mitigation measure. It also highlights the efforts of some counties, such as Viiga, in prioritizing beekeeping as a livelihood project to address the impacts of climate change.
What is the future outlook for bee farming according to the article?
- Despite the challenges posed by climate change, the article suggests that the future of bee farming looks promising with proper management and collaborative efforts from the government, local authorities, and development partners.
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