Organic and natural beekeeping, and caring for insect pollinators

Publication date: 26/02/2019
Extent: 22 pages

Contributions by: Nicola Bradbear, Bees for Development, UK

Chapter synopsis: The pollination of flowering plants is crucial for the maintenance of earth’s biodiversity, and most food crops depend upon insect pollinators. Unfortunately, conventional agricultural practices tend to diminish the numbers of wild insect pollinators while increasing our need for them. This chapter introduces the numerous ways in which some bee species are managed for optimal pollination of crops, as well as for harvest of honey, beeswax and other bee products. The chapter discusses conventional, natural and organic beekeeping practices, as well as possible ways to encourage biodiversity and abundance of indigenous pollinating insects.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0028.19