Balancing Bees and Livestock: Pastoralist Knowledge, Perceptions and Implications for Pollinator Conservation in Rangelands, Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Insect pollinators provide numerous ecosystem services that support other living organisms. While pollinators play a large role in cropping systems, little is known about their presence and function in rangeland ecosystems, which have recently become fragmented and overexploited at an extraordinary rate. We assessed local Maasai knowledge on insect pollinators and how pollinators affect livelihood diversification in Simanjiro rangelands, Tanzania. Through questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations, we found varied insect knowledge among Maasai herders. Lasioglossum of sub genus Ipomalictus and Syriphidae were the least commonly recognized pollinators as only 24%, and 7% of participants could identify them, respectively. Responses varied significantly between men and women (F = 7.397, p = .007). Commiphora africana, Acacia mellifera and Albizia anthelmintica were noted as most important bee forage plants while observations showed Aspilia mossambicensis, Justicia debile and Acacia tortilis. Most (77%) of Maasai herders showed limited ability to link pollinators and rangeland wellbeing. Beekeeping contributed to livelihood diversification for 61% of respondents, with women participating more frequently than men (χ2 = 46.962, p = .0001). Beekeeping was positively influenced by education level ( R = .421, p < .0001) and occupation ( R = .194, p = .009). Pollinator declines were attributed to climate change (47%), agriculture (37%), and habitat destruction (8%). We conclude that Maasai have limited knowledge of common pollinator groups and their roles. Community outreach and training should bridge the knowledge gap in pastoralist communities to fully realize pollinator benefits and highlight the importance of rangeland health.

People’s Knowledge and Perceptions Towards Bee–Pollinators in the Southern Highlands, Tanzania: Conservation Implications and Strategies

“…They also affirmed that the loss of bee-pollinators from local systems would likely harm the environment. This is not different from other studies conducted in Tanzania by Elisante et al (2019), Mpondo et al (2021), andSawe et al (2020), which reported almost similar findings. Additionally, planting flowering trees and wild flowers in the field for bees to forage, reducing pesticide use on farms, and allocating some uncultivated areas to attract A. mellifera and other pollinator insects were perceived by local people as important conservation initiatives.…”

“…However, previous studies are also reporting that the decline of bees may be influenced by the limited knowledge and negative perceptions of people towards bees (Burns et al, 2021;Marques et al, 2017;Mpondo et al, 2021;Nicholls et al, 2020). This is because there is a correlation between the public perceptions towards a species and their knowledge of that species (Burns et al, 2021;Fančovičová & Prokop, 2011;Prokop et al, 2008;Silva & Minor, 2017;Sumner et al, 2018;Trip et al, 2020).…”

“…Owing to a lack of understanding of bee–pollinators, land–use practices that do not consider bee–pollinators could result in bee decline. This is due to the fact that some people’s perceptions toward insects, particularly bees, are frequently characterized by hatred, fear, and revulsion, possibly because some bees have the ability to hurt humans (Elisante et al, 2019; Mpondo et al, 2021; Schönfelder & Bogner, 2017; Tarakini et al, 2020). But, people who understand bees and their role in the ecosystem, on the other hand, would not be afraid of them and would take steps to protect them from anthropogenic activities (Schönfelder & Bogner, 2017).…”

“…This could encourage local people to practice positive bee conservation behaviors and provide insight into the challenges that bee–pollinators face and how they can be overcome. In addition, age, gender, and education have been shown to influence the knowledge and/or identification skills of pollinators (Elisante et al, 2019; Mpondo et al, 2021; Schönfelder & Bogner, 2017; Silva & Minor, 2017). For instance, Mpondo et al (2021) found that men correctly identified solitary bees, Lasioglossum sp, compared to women.…”

“…In addition, age, gender, and education have been shown to influence the knowledge and/or identification skills of pollinators (Elisante et al, 2019; Mpondo et al, 2021; Schönfelder & Bogner, 2017; Silva & Minor, 2017). For instance, Mpondo et al (2021) found that men correctly identified solitary bees, Lasioglossum sp, compared to women. They also showed that respondents of 30–39 years old had good pollinator identification skills than the other age groups, and education level, particularly primary education significantly influenced correct identification of Eumenidae .…”