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Sammanfattning

Insect-mediated pollination is a crucial ecosystem service that supports crop yields and wild plant populations, contributing to global food security and ecosystem stability. However, the alarming decline in insect pollinators, largely driven by agricultural practices, has raised global concern. As the human population grows, the pressure on crop production intensifies, necessitating sustainable farming practices. Agroforestry, an agricultural system that integrates woody plants with crops, has the potential to enhance crop production while providing a favorable environment for insect pollinators. However, empirical studies on the impact of agroforestry on insect pollinators in tropical Africa are scarce. This study addresses that gap by examining whether tropical agroforestry increases insect pollinator abundance and species richness compared to non-agroforestry systems and how that is affected by season and elevation. We studied sixteen pairs of agroforestry and non-agroforestry farms located along elevation gradients in northern Tanzania over wet and dry seasons. Results showed that agroforestry plots had nearly twice the insect pollinator abundance and higher species richness than non-agroforestry plots. Additionally, the wet season recorded greater pollinator abundance and species richness, with agroforestry consistently outperforming non-agroforestry farms. Although elevation had no significant effect on pollinator abundance or species richness, floral resources proved critical: flower richness, overall plant richness, and overall plant abundance drove pollinator species richness, while pollinator abundance was determined solely by flower richness.This study shows that tropical agroforestry supports higher insect pollinator abundance and species richness compared to non-agroforestry systems, even during the dry season. While elevation did not significantly influence pollinator communities, agroforestry's ability to provide more floral and plant resources compared to non-agroforestry highlights its potential to mitigate pollinator declines caused by agricultural practices. Promoting agroforestry is crucial for conserving pollinators and fostering sustainable farming in tropical regions.

Nyckelord

Chagga home gardens; Sustainable farming practices; Floral resources

Publicerad i

Journal of Insect Conservation
2025, volym: 29, nummer: 3, artikelnummer: 50
Utgivare: SPRINGER

SLU författare

UKÄ forskningsämne

Ekologi

Publikationens identifierare

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-025-00688-2

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/142525