Enhancing nutrition therapy on diabetics through increased crop productivity

The dual role honeybees play in increased crop and fruit production through pollination, in addition to Apitherapy, cannot be under-estimated. 80% (percent) of food crops, mainly fruits and vegetables, rely on insect pollination, most of which is done by bees. There are over 30,000 bee species in the world and valuation of honeybee pollination services worldwide was $ US 238.9 billion in the year 2009. The current outcry on bee colony decline, impacting negatively on food and nutrition security, depicts clear evidence on the importance of bee pollination for increased productivity. In the wake of climate change jeopardy, there is depletion of the age-old food basket, with bee habitat loss, due to environmental degradation, hence an upsurge of lifestyle diseases: Diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. There is urgent need for smart and innovative strategies to increase food production to counter famine and complement conventional medicine for early Diabetics through Agri-Nutri-therapy. Comparative pollinated and pollinator deficient studies, were conducted from the year 2010-2020. The experimental design and methodology involved planting of a select quick flowering fruits and vegetables, all of which are bee pollinated (Strawberry, Fragaria x Ananassa Duch; Cucumber, Cucumis sativa Linneaus; Sweet pepper, Capsicum annuum Linneaus; Tomato, Lycopersicum esculentum Mill; Spider plant, Gynandropsis gynandra; Pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo Linneaus and Rose coco beans, Phaseolus vulgaris Linneaus). The studies were done, in and outside a controlled environment (the greenhouse, 8x24 Meters in size) at the National Beekeeping Institute, Lenana-Nairobi (Coordinates: UTM 37M 0257490, 9858862). This provided a comparable environment for testing pollination efficiency and effectiveness of different bee species, singly, in cohorts or combination, on specific crops, with a display of symmetric and asymmetric formations/malformations, indicating super quality for accomplished pollination and nil/malformed or missing seeds, for pollinator deficient fruits/pods, respectively. Collected data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, using Statistical Package for Social Scientists, SPSS Software, version 23. Regression, correlation, and student t-test on strawberry revealed significant relationships between the bee pollinator and the plant species, impacting positively on fruit/vegetable productivity, to support a healthy, nutrient-dense mixed Diet for Diabetics, as per the World Diet classification. Alternative and specialized bee pollinators ensured steady and continuous production of the fruits and vegetables.

Keywords: Enhancing, Nutrition therapy, Diabetic, Productivity

Grace Adala Asiko, holds a PhD Degree in Agricultural Entomology, obtained from the University of Nairobi in the year 2012 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Botany and Zoology, from the same University. She too has a Masters in Tropical Bees and Beekeeping in Tropical Climates, obtained in January 2004 from Utrecht University, Netherlands. She studied Geography as well. Dr. Asiko was employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, State Department of Livestock Production and rose through the ranks to Deputy Director of Livestock Production. She was appointed to Head the National Beekeeping Institute in Lenana-Nairobi in the year 2010, where her mandate included overseeing the functions of the institution, Policy formulation, training, research and innovation, in all aspects pertaining to the beekeeping industry. She authored and co-authored over 50 scientific publications and articles on Beekeeping and the Agricultural sector at large. She is a recipient of “Utumishi Bora Award” presented by Kenya Christian Professional Forum in 2017, for work Excellence, Research and Documentation, particularly in the area of Stingless Bee research. Dr Asiko, among others, earned and the Anglican Church of Kenya Stewardship Award, 2015. She has actively participated in several National and International Seminars and conferences and continues to attend educative webinars. She is passionate on professional presentations and student mentorship. Dr. Asiko, progressively positioned herself on the executive and technical advisory committees of re-known Professional organizations/societies: The Animal Production Society of Kenya, The Kenya Business and Professional Women, The Apiculture Platform of Kenya, The Kenya Pollinator Initiative and the Bee health committee, where she served with great zeal and commitment. She too, has taught at the University of Nairobi, on part-time basis.