By Bisola Adeyemo
A conservation researcher, Prof Elias Bizuru in Rwanda has said the use of pesticides and deforestation decreases honey production in the country.
The conservationist also said bee population decrease, is due to unfriendly chemical pesticide uses which is affecting bee production in the country.
Speaking on the use of chemicals, the lecturer said pesticides are mainly used for the growth of crops such as rice, maize, tomatoes, Irish potatoes, eggplants, beans, and cabbages.
“When some pesticides are used on crops, residual amounts spread into the environment via air, soil, and water. Residual pesticide can be found on numerous crops and some such as Rocket pesticide are toxic to mammals, birds, fish, and other aquatic species.”
He said that more research is needed to find alternatives to chemical pesticides.
“Government should establish and operationalize a National policy and schemes in favour of organic farming,” he said.
