Research Article
A Comparative Study of the Impact of Avocado, Sunflower, and Courgette on Bee Productivity in Rwanda: A Case Study of Burera District
Gaspard Ntabakirabose*,
Ritha Tumukunde,
Eleonore Kamabazi,
Gerard Kayiranga,
Jean Claude Noel Mjuga,
Mbabazi Mbabazize,
David Mwehia Mburu
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
132-138
Received:
5 January 2025
Accepted:
1 February 2025
Published:
14 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.eeb.20251004.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Bees are vital insects in agricultural production systems. In addition to crop pollination, bees produce honey, a valuable food commodity. Bees' attraction to plants differs according to species and plant morphology. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Avocado, sunflower, and courgette crops on bee foraging behaviour, nectar collection efficiency, and honey production. The research focused on the Gatebe Sector, Rwambogo Cell, Murambo Village, characterized by its temperate climate and rich agricultural landscape. Bee visitation rates were measured at different times of the day, while honey production was tracked in colonies near the crops. The diversity of bee species visiting each crop was assessed using the Shannon-Wiener Index. The results revealed that sunflowers attracted the highest number of bees, particularly during midday, followed by avocado and courgette. Nectar collection efficiency and total honey yield were highest in sunflower, with peak activity from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Avocado showed moderate bee visitation and honey production, with a narrow peak period from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Courgette produced less honey, with a peak nectar collection period from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In terms of bee species diversity, sunflower exhibited the greatest richness, followed by avocado and courgette. Sunflower consistently yielded the highest total honey (14.5 kg), followed by avocado (11.5 kg) and courgette (8.0 kg). Sunflower attracted the highest species diversity, followed by Avocado while courgettes had the lowest diversity, with only 4 species. The findings suggest that sunflower cultivation in home gardens enhances bee productivity and supports a diverse pollinator community, making it an optimal choice for boosting both honey production and pollinator health. The study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate crops to optimize bee activity and improve agricultural sustainability in smallholder farming systems.
Abstract: Bees are vital insects in agricultural production systems. In addition to crop pollination, bees produce honey, a valuable food commodity. Bees' attraction to plants differs according to species and plant morphology. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Avocado, sunflower, and courgette crops on bee foraging behaviour, nectar c...
Show More
