As concerns grow over pesticide resistance, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and food safety, experts from more than 75 countries gathered for a regional webinar organized by CABI and the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNET). The event highlighted the growing recognition of biological control as a key component of sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. Participants explored how biological control approaches, when integrated within broader Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, can reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides while improving environmental outcomes, farmer livelihoods, and market access.
A major focus of the webinar was the role of innovation, science, and digital tools in accelerating the adoption of biological control.
- CABI showcased its PlantWise Plus programme and demonstrated the CABI BioProtection Portal, an open-access platform operating in 54 countries and 18 languages that provides information on more than 7,000 registered bioprotection products.
- Participants also learned from a successful case study in Malaysia, where classical biological control of diamondback moth significantly reduced pesticide use in brassica production while strengthening export opportunities through lower pesticide residues: Diamondback Moth Management in Malaysia
- Country perspectives from Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia further illustrated how biological control is increasingly being incorporated into climate-smart agriculture programmes, extension services, and national sustainable agriculture strategies.
Throughout the discussions, participants emphasized that biological control is not a stand-alone solution but rather part of a broader systems approach to sustainable crop protection. Successful adoption depends on strong regulatory frameworks, quality assurance systems, effective extension services, farmer engagement, institutional support, and access to affordable biocontrol products. Digital advisory tools were identified as particularly important for helping farmers and advisers make informed decisions, while capacity development and policy harmonization were seen as critical for scaling adoption across regions. The webinar also underscored the importance of placing farmers at the centre of innovation and ensuring that solutions are adapted to local ecological and socio-economic contexts.
Looking ahead, participants identified significant opportunities for regional collaboration through joint research initiatives, regulatory harmonization, public-private partnerships, digital agriculture platforms, and South-South cooperation. There was broad agreement that scaling biological control will require coordinated action across research institutions, governments, extension systems, private companies, and farmer organizations. By fostering partnerships and sharing practical experiences, the webinar demonstrated how biological control can contribute to healthier ecosystems, safer food production, improved market access, and more resilient agricultural systems across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
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