In February, experts and stakeholders gathered in Dodoma, Tanzania, for a workshop aimed at addressing critical challenges and opportunities related to the registration and application of biopesticides and biological control agents (BCAs) within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework.
The workshop, organized by the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in collaboration with CropLife Africa Middle East, represented by Stella and Fasil, brought together professionals from regulatory bodies, research, industry, academia, and various agricultural sectors to discuss the regulatory issues of biopesticides and biological control agents and the future of sustainable pest management in Tanzania.
The workshop explored opportunities for the adoption of biopesticides and biological control agents. Fast-tracking the registration process, reducing trial costs, and strengthening regional cooperation were seen as key opportunities for advancing biopesticide use. However, farmers, especially smallholders, are often unaware of the benefits and proper usage of biopesticides, which slows down their adoption.
At CropLife AME, we are committed to pushing the adoption of biopesticides legislative frameworks across the region, as part of our commitment to sustainable agriculture.