Bee Abundance, Diversity and Distribution in the Kakamega-Vihiga-Nandi Forest Agro-Ecosystems Counties in Kenya

Abstract

Bee abundance and diversity have contributed significantly to the increase in food security through pollination of the crops and honey production worldwide. They are efficient pollinators of 80% of flowering plants. In recent years, there has been a decline in bee populations due to various factors. Consequently, the objective of this paper was to determine bee abundance, diversity and distribution in the Kakamega-Vihiga-Nandi Forest agro-ecosystems counties in Kenya using appropriate standard methods. Data showed that a total of 14 species were identified from the three sampling regions. The highest bee abundance and diversity were recorded in Nandi (H’=2.32) followed by Kakamega (H’=2.23) and lastly Vihiga (1.88). The long rain season recorded the highest bee diversity in Nandi (H‟=2.32). The short rain season followed in diversity in Nandi (H’=2.31). Kakamega had (H’=2.25) while Vihiga had (H’=1.86).  The long rain season recorded the highest bee diversity followed by the short rain season in all the three study counties. Bee diversity and abundance reduced with increasing distance from the forest edge in the two counties of Kakamega and Nandi but not in Vihiga County.