In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Scientific Reports* (translated to English as “Scientific Reports”), researchers have compiled the first comprehensive database of honey bee forage plants across Africa, offering a vital tool for pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture. Led by Beatrice T. Nganso from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the research provides a geospatial atlas that could significantly impact land management practices and climate-resilient strategies for beekeeping and agriculture.
Honey bees are indispensable for both ecosystem health and human livelihoods, playing a crucial role in pollinating crops and supporting biodiversity. However, the lack of detailed information on the distribution of forage plants—essential for bee nutrition—has hindered conservation efforts. Nganso and her team addressed this gap by systematically reviewing literature and gathering occurrence records from open-access biodiversity databases like iNaturalist and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The result is a database of 1,248 honey bee forage plant species from 91 families, accompanied by an interactive web-based dashboard that visualizes species distributions.
“This database is a game-changer for pollinator conservation,” Nganso said. “It provides a foundation for understanding where these critical forage plants are located and how they can be protected or restored.”
The dashboard reveals significant floral data gaps in Western, Central, and Northern Africa, highlighting areas where future conservation efforts should be prioritized. In regions like Southern and Eastern Africa, where data is more abundant, the resource can guide pollinator-friendly land management practices. By promoting the growth of forage plants, farmers and land managers can support honey bees and other pollinators, which are vital for ecosystem resilience and agricultural productivity.
The study also paves the way for future research by integrating high-resolution imagery, climate models, and field-collected data on plant-pollinator interactions. This integration will help contextualize species distributions under varying land-use and climatic conditions, offering insights into how pollinators might adapt to environmental changes.
“This research is not just about mapping plants; it’s about building a more resilient future for agriculture and beekeeping,” Nganso explained. “By understanding the distribution of forage plants, we can make informed decisions that benefit both pollinators and the people who depend on them.”
The implications for the energy sector are also noteworthy. Sustainable agriculture practices supported by this research can reduce land degradation and enhance ecosystem services, contributing to more stable and productive landscapes. As climate change continues to pose challenges, tools like this database will be invaluable for developing climate-resilient strategies that ensure food security and support sustainable energy production.
The study’s findings were published in *Scientific Reports*, a peer-reviewed journal that emphasizes the importance of open-access research in driving global scientific progress. By making this database publicly available, Nganso and her team have provided a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and land managers worldwide.
As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, this research offers a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of geospatial data and citizen science, we can take meaningful steps toward conserving pollinators and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and beekeeping for generations to come.