Africa’s food systems are facing a growing but often overlooked threat as the decline of bees and other pollinators begins to raise concerns over the continent’s long-term agricultural productivity, biodiversity and food security.

From avocado orchards and coffee farms to vegetable fields and fruit plantations, pollinators play a critical role in sustaining agricultural production across Africa. Yet rising pesticide use, habitat destruction, monoculture farming systems and climate pressures are increasingly placing bee populations under severe strain, threatening the natural ecosystems that underpin food production.

Pollinators, particularly bees, contribute significantly to crop yields and biodiversity by enabling plant reproduction and improving both the quantity and quality of agricultural harvests. Globally, pollination supports nearly 75% of food crop production, making bees essential to the stability of food systems and rural livelihoods.

Across Africa, crops such as coffee, cocoa, mangoes, watermelons, citrus, nuts, vegetables and oilseeds depend heavily on pollinators. A continued decline in bee populations could therefore have serious economic and nutritional consequences for millions of farming households and agribusinesses across the continent.

Environmental campaigners and agricultural experts are increasingly warning that industrial farming practices are accelerating pollinator losses. Large-scale monoculture systems often reduce biodiversity and eliminate flowering plants that bees rely on for food and habitat. At the same time, the widespread use of hazardous pesticides is weakening pollinator populations and disrupting ecosystems.

According to Greenpeace Africa’s recent #FoodorPoison report, a significant percentage of pesticides currently registered and used across African countries are toxic to bees and beneficial insects. The report found that in South Africa, approximately 62% of registered pesticides are toxic to bees, while the figure stands at 28% in Ghana and 18% in Kenya.

The report further warns that nearly 40% of insect pollinators are already at risk across the continent, raising concerns about future agricultural resilience and ecosystem stability.

Chemical exposure has been linked to weakened bee immunity, impaired navigation systems and reduced colony survival. Insecticides such as chlorpyrifos have been identified as particularly harmful to pollinators, affecting their ability to forage, reproduce and return to hives.

Agricultural analysts say the implications extend far beyond environmental conservation. Pollinator decline directly affects crop yields, food quality, export production and farmer incomes, particularly in sectors that depend on high-value horticultural and export crops.

Africa’s growing horticulture industry, which continues to expand exports of avocados, fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts to global markets, could become increasingly vulnerable if pollination systems weaken further.

The issue also intersects with broader debates around sustainable agriculture and food system resilience. Experts argue that agroecology and regenerative farming practices could help reverse pollinator decline by restoring biodiversity, reducing chemical dependence and promoting integrated pest management systems.

Agroecological farming systems encourage crop diversity, preserve natural habitats and improve soil and ecosystem health while reducing harmful environmental impacts associated with intensive chemical farming.

Beyond agriculture, bees also play a wider ecological role by supporting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems that contribute to climate resilience and water security.

As African governments pursue strategies to strengthen food security, agricultural exports and climate adaptation, pollinator protection is increasingly emerging as a critical component of long-term agricultural sustainability.

Agriculture stakeholders say stronger regulation of hazardous pesticides, greater investment in sustainable farming systems, farmer education and biodiversity conservation will be essential to safeguarding pollinator populations and protecting Africa’s future food systems.

With Africa’s population projected to continue rising sharply over the coming decades, ensuring stable and resilient agricultural production systems will remain central to economic growth, rural livelihoods and food security across the continent.