Pollinator-friendly agricultural production in Angola: key evidences, success stories and recommendations

Pollinator-Friendly Agriculture in Angola: A Conversation with Dr. Max Vicente

Across the globe, the role of pollinators in sustaining food production and maintaining healthy ecosystems has become a critical focus for researchers, farmers, and policymakers alike. In Angola, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of livelihoods and development, pollinators—especially bees—are both silent workers and fragile allies. As the country rebuilds its agricultural potential, integrating pollinator protection into national strategies is no longer an option, but a necessity.

In this special interview, we speak with Dr. Max Vicente, a veterinary expert and lecturer at the Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária of the Universidade José Eduardo dos Santos in Huambo, Angola. Drawing from decades of local experience and historical insights, Dr. Vicente shares compelling evidence on the indispensable services provided by bees and other pollinators in Angola’s agri-food systems. He reflects on the country’s proud legacy as a top exporter of honey and wax, explores the challenges facing modern apiculture, and offers concrete, locally grounded solutions to revitalize pollinator-friendly farming.

From the rugged highlands of Huíla to the vibrant communities of Huambo and Benguela, Angola is home to inspiring success stories of agricultural practices that work in harmony with nature. This interview shines a light on those stories and provides practical recommendations for safeguarding pollinators—ensuring not only ecosystem health, but also future food security, rural livelihoods, and youth engagement.

Let’s dive in.

Bees and other pollinators are key to preserve ecosystems. Why are their services so important? What would we lose without them? Can you give some examples?

Bees and other pollinators such as butterflies, bats, birds, wasps, flies, beetles, and moths play a fundamental role on the planet. It is proven that several plants need to be fertilized to reproduce, which occurs through pollination. Bees perform the pollination service for around 70% of plants that are important for human consumption. Therefore, it can be estimated that around a third of the world's agricultural production is under their responsibility. This pollination impacts the quality and quantity of agricultural products. Bees are especially important as they feed exclusively on nectar or pollen, so they visit many flowers a day to meet their needs.

In Angola, the first study on beekeeping began in 1957, led by biologists Rosário Nunes, Araújo de Portugal, and G. C. Tordo, cited by (Nunes R.et al., 1970). At that time, the Apis mellifera species, the Adansonii subspecies, was characterized as a very aggressive bee, forming part of the bees known as the African bee or, better known, the killer bee. However, this species of bee is tireless and visits hundreds of flowers during the day, which, from an early age, contributed to the high rate of agricultural production in Angola, placing the country on the list of the largest producers of products such as coffee, bananas, cotton, honey, wax, avocado, and others.

As is known, these products have a strong dependence on pollinators for their reproduction. I am absolutely certain that, in the absence of these pollinators, especially bees, this high rate of agricultural production would not be possible. Currently, the Government of Angola, with the help of international organizations, is fighting to rescue the country's agricultural production. Therefore, it will also be necessary to think about strategies and policies for the preservation and protection of pollinators in order to boost production.

In my point of view, even without scientific studies to prove it, we have clear evidence that part of production depends on these pollinators. For example, in the 60s, there was a high rate of production of field products. At the same time, there was a high rate of production of honey and wax, in which Angola was the largest exporter of wax in the world according to the International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations – APIMONDIA, 1974. This means that there was the presence of thousands of colonies of bees and other pollinators. Currently, the national production rate is low and dependent on imports. On the other hand, the production of honey and wax has reduced considerably, and bee colonies are decreasing with each passing year! The question is, do we not have an obvious relationship here?

Honey is a rich food that respect our ancestors’ indigenous knowledge. Today, honey production is challenged and young generations do not invest in apiculture any longer. What would be needed to make honey value chains more profitable and attracting for the new generations?

Ensuring profitable and attractive honey value chains involves a combination of strategies. Quality assurance is paramount, with a focus on maintaining high-quality honey production through proper handling, storage, and packaging to preserve flavor and nutritional value. Market research is essential to understanding consumer preferences and trends, allowing for the exploration of niche markets like organic or specialty honey to set your product apart. Sustainable practices, such as embracing sustainable beekeeping methods, promoting biodiversity, avoiding harmful pesticides, and protecting bee habitats, are crucial.

Technology adoption, including traceability systems like blockchain or QR codes for tracking honey origin and automation for hive monitoring, extraction, and bottling, can enhance efficiency. Education and training play a key role in ensuring the success of honey value chains, from educating young beekeepers on modern practices and business management to raising consumer awareness about the importance of bees and local honey. Collaboration, whether through beekeeping cooperatives to share resources and knowledge or partnerships with local businesses and health stores to promote honey products, is also vital. Ultimately, honey production is not just about profit but also about preserving ecosystems and supporting pollinators fight to reduce poverty, empower women and create jobs for the young community.

Apiculture and agriculture are good friends, with beneficial mutual interactions. Can you give some successful examples of pollinator-friendly agricultural production in Angola?

We have many successful examples of pollinator-friendly agricultural production in Angola. Take as an example community such as Calima, the community of Bailundo, Tchicala-Tcholohanga, Catchindongo, Bongo, all in the province of Huambo, the community of Alto do Catumbela in the province of Benguela, and the community of Humpata and Chibia belonging to the province of Huíla. All of these communities have received training both from academia (such as University José Eduardo dos Santos) and private companies such as MAXMEL, a recognized brand in Angola, as well as receiving support from organizations such as UE-UNCTAD, FAO, SASSCAL and ADRA.

These communities have been encouraged to use diverse crops that attract pollinators and can enhance yields. For example, crops like tomatoes, coffee, cocoa, watermelon, pumpkin, and fruit trees are planted to benefit from healthy pollinator populations. Capacity building for farmers and communities about the importance of pollinators and their role in agriculture is crucial. This includes understanding the benefits of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

According to your expert opinion, how much – in percentage – pollinators contribute to agricultural yield in Angola? Or, reversely, how much agricultural output would decline – in percentage – without pollination services?

Pollinators play a vital role in Angola’s agricultural yield. Although the exact percentage cannot be estimated precisely due to the lack of studies on this issue, I can state that without pollinators, agricultural output would decline significantly, affecting both quantity and quality.

Angola's agriculture is mostly family-based without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Therefore, crops depend almost 100% on pollinators. That’s why it’s essential to protect these valuable ecosystem services.

Imagine you wake up one day and you are the president of beekeepers of the entire world. What would you do? Which recommendations would you give and policy action would you take?

As the global President of beekeepers, I would be committed to taking decisive action to protect our pollinators and ensure sustainable beekeeping practices. To achieve this, I would outline a comprehensive action plan that includes initiatives in research and education, habitat restoration, research and innovation, market access and fair trade, climate action, and pollinator partnerships.

By establishing global beekeeping standards, promoting education programs, advocating for bee-friendly landscapes, investing in bee health monitoring technology, developing a certification system for ethically produced honey, and collaborating with geneticists on bee genome sequencing, we can create a more sustainable future for our pollinators. Additionally, by working with farmers, engaging with agribusinesses, and advocating for climate change mitigation policies, we can protect bee habitats and ensure the long-term viability of beekeeping practices. Together, we can make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our pollinators.

Open theme upon your choice

Bush fires in Angola can have detrimental effects on both bees and agriculture, mainly in the months from May to September. Fires can disorient bees, affecting their foraging behavior and navigation. Direct exposure to flames or high temperatures can harm bees and their hives, while the loss of vegetation due to fires reduces the availability of nectar and pollen, impacting bee food sources. In agriculture, fires can cause crop damage, destroying staple foods like maize, cassava, and beans, which in turn affects food security and livelihoods.

Additionally, intense fires can lead to soil degradation by altering soil properties, reducing fertility, and water retention capacity. The smoke from fires contains harmful pollutants that can affect human health and agricultural productivity, while fires also contribute to deforestation, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Efforts to prevent and manage bushfires are crucial for protecting both bees and agriculture in Angola. Conservation measures, sustainable land management, and fire-resistant practices are essential to mitigate these harmful effects and contribute to climate change mitigation and resilience.