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Introduction: Bees' Role in Crop Production
The decline of bee populations significantly threatens our food system, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Bees contribute to:
Over 1/3 of global food security.
The Generation of $15 billion to $20 billion in the U.S. through pollination (Bush, 2020).
Production of over 90% of the top cr crop yields by about 75% (Millar, 2021).
Bee populations have declined sharply due to colony collapse disorder, which has averaged a 30% loss each winter since 2006 (Bush, 2020). This decline is linked to factors like pesticide use, climate change, and habitat loss (UNEP, 2022). Colony collapse disorder reflects broader environmental and agricultural issues. Addressing these factors is crucial for supporting farmers and society.
Literature Review
As agricultural practices have evolved, pollinator health has declined, prompting a need to understand farmers' perceptions of this issue.
The emergence of colony collapse disorder (CCD) in 2006 highlighted the direct impacts on farms that depend on pollination for crop production, emphasizing that agricultural viability is closely linked to environmental factors and pollinator health (Meixner et al., 2015).
Honeybees are among the most effective pollinators, making 12 to 15 foraging trips daily and collecting millions of nectar or pollen samples daily!
HoneyBees or Biomonitors?
Honeybees pick up pollutants from the environment, which they bring back to the hive, making them essential biomonitors of environmental conditions (Mair et al., 2023). Their sensitivity to air pollution can disrupt their navigation and foraging abilities (Jackson, 2016).
Modern farming practices produce pollutants that hinder bees through pesticides and fertilizers, impacting their navigation, reproduction, and memory (Xerces Society, 2024). These pollutants affect bees directly during spraying and through residues on plants and nesting areas.
Less than 1% of applied pesticides reach their intended targets!
Pollinator Challenges in Traditional Farming Methods
A deeper examination of the issue raises important questions about whether many farmers are aware that practices like monoculture, pesticide use, nutrient depletion, or tilling can harm the pollinators on which they rely. Despite environmental challenges, modern farming methods remain consistent due to various complex factors. Some of which include;
Large and small farms use traditional techniques, which are considered reliable for increasing crop production(Owens, 2024). This reliance on conventional methods impacts farmers' livelihoods, crop yields, and pollinator health.
These methods are rooted in long-standing traditions, which create a conflict between profitability and sustainable agriculture (Coyne et al., 2020).
Farming heavily depends on bee populations, yet many practices compromise their health. Historically, farmers relied on native pollinators or managed beehives for crop security. However, significant bee die-offs from pesticides now force farmers to rent hives from beekeepers (George Washington University, 2019).
Pesticides
Ineffective pesticide management has led to ongoing pollution despite recent regulatory efforts. This necessity arises because new pests have adapted faster than chemical production can keep pace with. Bees' lifespan and productivity are negatively affected by these chemicals.
Monoculture
Monoculture farming harms bees by restricting their nutrition and increasing pesticide use, contributing to colony collapse disorder (CCD) and poor bee health. Furthermore, monoculture farming increases the reliance on pesticides as crops become more susceptible to pests and diseases (Bassier, 2020). The decline in pollinator populations will likely lead to;
Reduced crop yields.
Diminished food security.
Negative impacts on farmers' livelihoods (Jackson, 2016).
Research Question
This paper does not attribute blame to farmers; however, it emphasizes that the systemic issues established over decades must be addressed to foster responsible farming practices. Current agricultural techniques are unsustainable for food production and security, as they contribute to environmental conditions that lead to declining bee populations and overall health.
Theoretical Framework
The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) suggests that individuals' actions are influenced by their perceptions of social norms, which shape their attitudes and decisions regarding behaviors such as farming practices. TPB elucidates the challenges farmers face in transitioning away from harmful practices due to economic constraints and the need for investments in alternative methods, which lead to a decline in Pollinators.
This diagram depicts the relationship between traditional farming methods, farmers, and bee populations by visually representing how these factors shape farmers' perceptions of their role in pollinator health, influenced by cultural beliefs, attitudes, social norms, and intentions. Understanding farmers' perspectives is crucial for implementing new strategies to improve bee health and maintain farmers' livelihoods for future generations.
References
Bassier, A. (2020). Health & Human Development | Montana State University. Www.montana.edu. https://www.montana.edu/hhd/graduate/dietetics/blog_posts/monoculture_and_bees.html
Bush, G. (2020, March 23). How you can keep bees from becoming endangered. Www.osu.edu; Ohio State University. https://www.osu.edu/impact/research-and-innovation/bee-population
Coyne, L., Kendall, H., Hansda, R., Reed, M. S., & Williams, D. J. L. (2020). Identifying economic and societal drivers of engagement in agri-environmental schemes for English dairy producers. Land Use Policy, 101, 105174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.105174
George Washington University. (2019, September 19). Colony Collapse, Climate Change and Public Health Explained. Milken Institute School of Public Health. https://onlinepublichealth.gwu.edu/resources/colony-collapse-climate-change-public-health/
Mair, K., Irrgeher, J., & Haluza, D. (2023). Elucidating the Role of Honey Bees as Biomonitors in Environmental Health Research. National Library of Medicine, 14(11), 874–874. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14110874
Meixner, M. D., Kryger, P., & Costa, C. (2015). Effects of genotype, environment, and their interactions on European honey b. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 10, 177–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2015.05.010
Millar, H. (2021, May 18). Why bees are so important to human life and health. Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-are-bees-important-to-humans#why-are-bees-important
Jackson, L. (2016, July 6). Bees’ ability to forage decreases as air pollution increases | Penn State University. Psu.edu. https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/bees-ability-forage-decreases-air-pollution-increases
Owens, N. (2024, December 12). Large farms most likely to use precision agriculture: report. Agriculture Dive. https://www.agriculturedive.com/news/large-farms-most-likely-to-use-precision-agriculture-USDA-report/735396/
UNEP. (2022, May 18). Why bees are essential to people and planet. UNEP; UNEP. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/why-bees-are-essential-people-and-planet
Xerces Society. (2024). The Risks of Pesticides to Pollinators | Xerces Society. Www.xerces.org. https://www.xerces.org/pesticides/risks-pesticides-pollinators
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