Agroecological Approaches to Pest Management Work Better

A farmer successfully practicing muiti-layer vegetable farming under agro-ecological methods in once-barren charlands of Faridpur.

Drawing on more than 80 peer-reviewed, field-based studies conducted across Africa over the past 15 years, this briefing paper and accompanying evidence compendium constitute the most comprehensive synthesis to date of real-world evidence on pest management beyond synthetic pesticides.

These documents show outcomes achieved under genuine farming conditions across diverse agroecological contexts. The evidence shows that biological and agroecological approaches are already delivering effective pest control, stable yields, and significant ecological and livelihood benefits—often matching or outperforming chemical-based regimes. The strongest and most consistent evidence comes from system-level strategies—such as classical biological control, diversified cropping systems, and integrated pest management.

Across Africa, farmers are demonstrating that agroecological systems can equal or outperform chemical-dependent farming while delivering wider social and ecological benefits. There is a need for a decisive shift in public policy, research investment, and regulatory frameworks—away from input substitution and toward system-based, agroecological approaches recognised and supported as public goods.

Beyond-Pesticides_compendium_briefing-paper_fin.pdf

- Third World Network (TWN)