Pollinators are important for food security and ensuring the stability of our natural ecosystems. However, land use changes characterized by habitat loss, shifts in the vegetation composition and changes in climate have resulted in the serious decline in pollinators.
According to a recent study
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.7492 human habitations have become important refuge sites for bees due to beautifying flower plants and fruit trees which act as important sources of food and nesting sites. Natural sites are depleted and innovative ways of ensuring the survival of these species are urgently needed.There is need for improving the forage and nesting sites for pollinators through creation of pollinator gardens in people’s homes and public spaces. Fields could be managed to offer forage for bees during the dry season, fast-growing drought resistant native flowers can be planted off planting season as food for pollinators and may also help protect soils. Pastures can also be enhanced for bees by planting native plants and managing grazing pressure. Finally, farmers need to minimise pesticides in vegetable gardens to maximize their effectiveness as bee forage sites.
Pollinators are being affected by land use changes.