ABSTRACT:

A two-year field study (2022-2023) at the University of Abuja, Nigeria, assessed the impact of climate change on insect pollinators, crucial for agricultural sustainability and human health. Over 90% of flowering plants rely on animal pollination, but rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events threaten pollinator populations. This study addresses knowledge gaps regarding pollinator vulnerability in Abuja, Nigeria. Employing transect surveys, pan trapping, and floral resource assessments across diverse ecological zones, the study documented a significant decline (20%) in pollinator abundance and diversity (35% decrease in bee species richness) between 2022 and 2023. This decline, particularly affecting pollinators of staple crops like cowpea and sesame, suggests potential disruptions in plant-pollinator interactions under climate change. In addition, pollinators’ activity patterns changed, with a decrease in foraging during the hottest hours of the day. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated strategies to promote pollinator health and agricultural sustainability. Developing pollinator-friendly habitats and adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices are crucial for mitigating the negative consequences of climate change on pollinators, food security and human well-being in Abuja and similar regions.