Bee farmers have been urged to adopt environmentally friendly chemicals to protect pollinators amid growing concerns that climate change is accelerating the decline of bee populations.
The call was made during the Ilihlo Lemaphandleni programme, hosted by Community Podium in partnership with Sky Metro FM. Deep Plough Agricultural Cooperative, which promotes sustainable farming practices across Africa, warned that bee colonies are under increasing pressure from extreme weather patterns and harmful farm chemicals.
Bee researcher Muziwanele Ncube told the programme that climate change is already affecting hive activity, with many beekeepers reporting lower hive occupancy.
“Our research shows that many hives are not filling up because bees are facing multiple challenges, including the effects of climate change,” he said.
Ncube said bees remain essential to biodiversity and food production, noting that many crops and fruits rely heavily on pollination.
“Bees increase crop yields. Some crops, including sunflower and avocado, depend entirely on pollinators. Without bees, productivity declines and food security is affected,” he said.
He also warned that the decline of bee populations could have wider economic consequences, including reduced availability of medicinal and commercial products derived from honey.
“Our concern is that if we ignore bees, we are in trouble as a country. They are central to agriculture. Farmers must identify eco-friendly chemicals that do not drive bees away,” he added.
Bee farmer Freddy Mpofu echoed the concerns and warned that the sector is also battling the rise of fake honey on the market.
“Beekeeping is sustainable, but we have people selling fake honey—boiled sugar sold as honey,” he said. “If the comb floats on top, it’s a sign the product is fake. Real honey mixes with the comb.”
Mpofu encouraged aspiring beekeepers to commit to the craft and ensure they have dedicated space for their hives.
“You don’t supervise bees, they travel up to 2km in search of food. Beekeeping has no age limit, even women can do it. Just keep your boxes out of direct sunlight,” he said.
He noted that bees also produce a range of useful by-products, including wax for candles, floor polish and hair care products for people with dreadlocks.
But Mpofu warned that bee farming is increasingly threatened by veld fires and deforestation, particularly as widespread access to chain saws destroys natural habitats.