Perception of Farmers on Importance of Insect Pollinators in Gozamin District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Biodiversity and many ecosystem services provide a key instrumental and constitutive factor determining human wellbeing [1]. Pollination is among a valuable ecosystem services which provides a variety of benefits including food and fiber, plantderived medicines, ornamentals, aesthetics, genetic diversity, and overall ecosystem resilience [1,2]. About 2/3rd of the crop plants that feed the world, and many plant-derived medicines, relies on pollination by insects or animals in order to produce viable seeds [3]. Pollinators are insects, including honey bees, as well as birds and some mammals, which transfer pollen from one flower to another. They provide ecosystem service that result in the outcrossing and sexual reproduction of many plants. In addition, they benefit human society by increasing food production, food security that in turn improve livelihoods and play a great role in conserving biological diversity in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Reduced agricultural yields and deformed fruit often result from insufficient pollination rather than a deficiency of other agricultural inputs [4]. Pollinators are considered ecological keystones; because a major threat to pollinators is destruction of habitat and loss of forage. Workplace decisions concerning plant selection, plant removal, and plant health care (particularly pesticides) can make the difference between a healthy, effective pollinator population and one in decline [5].