Effective alternatives to synthetic pesticides are already being used under real farming conditions across Africa. This compendium reviews evidence on biological and agroecological pest management, including classical biological control, push–pull systems, fruit fly integrated pest management and neem-based botanicals. Several approaches achieve substantial pest suppression and yield benefits while also supporting soil health, biodiversity and resilience.

The findings indicate that the most durable alternatives are system-level approaches rather than simple replacements for chemical inputs. Diversified cropping, habitat management and other practices that restore ecological processes can provide additional benefits such as fodder, soil fertility and greater resilience to climate stress. However, evidence remains concentrated in maize-based systems in East and Southern Africa, with important research gaps in West and Central Africa and in horticulture, legumes and mixed farming systems.

The compendium identifies limited economic and adoption data, weak regulatory frameworks for biological inputs, underdeveloped supply chains and input-oriented extension services as barriers to wider uptake. It calls for context-specific transition pathways supported by research, farmer learning, enabling regulation and investment in scaling proven approaches.