article · Trends in Biological Sciences
Indigenous pollinators, particularly stingless bees, flies, and beetles, are vital for enhancing the fruit yield, seed quality, and resilience of major Nigerian crops including cocoa, cashew, and oil palm. Due to their adaptation to local environments, native species are more effective and resilient than introduced varieties, whilst also contributing to broader ecosystem balance, soil health, and biodiversity. However, these insects face rising threats from habitat loss, land-use changes, climate variability, and pesticide use. Sustaining their contribution to food security requires targeted conservation strategies. Practical measures include safeguarding natural habitats, protecting floral resources, reducing chemical pesticide application, and implementing agroecological methods like agroforestry and intercropping. Combining scientific knowledge with traditional farming practices and supportive policies provides a sustainable pathway to protect these crucial species and maintain agricultural productivity.
Cocoa, cashew, and oil palm are critical agricultural commodities for food production and rural economies. Understanding that native insects provide essential pollination and ecosystem services highlights the practical need to protect natural habitats. Embracing farming practices that minimise chemical inputs and preserve local biodiversity can secure crop yields and improve agricultural resilience against ongoing climate and environmental challenges.
The findings inform farm management regimes and agroecological practices for commercial tree-crop growers, plantation managers, and agricultural extension services seeking higher yields without increasing chemical inputs. Rather than offering a packaged commercial product, the work supports applied habitat management and intercropping strategies. The approach appears to be at an early stage of adoption, requiring policy backing and operational integration into existing farming systems.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
The pollination activities of indigenous species are crucial for sustaining food production and enhancing the yield of cocoa (Theobroma cacao), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in Nigeria.Native pollinators especially stingless bees, flies, and beetles significantly improve pollination efficiency, resulting in better fruit yield, seed quality, and crop resilience.Their role as providers of vital ecosystem services directly influences crop productivity and agricultural sustainability.However, their effectiveness is increasingly threatened by seasonal fluctuations, land-use changes, and climate variability.Unlike introduced species, indigenous pollinators are better adapted to local environments, making them more effective and resilient.Beyond pollination, native species contribute to soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance, key elements of sustainable agriculture.Conservation strategies such as preserving natural habitats, protecting floral resources, practicing agroecology and agroforestry, intercropping, and reducing chemical pesticide use are vital.These efforts help maintain consistent food sources and safe habitats for pollinators.Integrating scientific knowledge with traditional practices can inform locally appropriate conservation solutions.Despite their importance, native pollinators face threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and environmental degradation.There is an urgent need for integrated policies to protect these species while improving agricultural productivity.Supporting indigenous pollinators is essential for food security and promoting sustainable farming systems in Nigeria.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.21124/tbs.2025.110.120
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
