Recommendations for Effective and Sustainable Regulation of Biopesticides in Nigeria

Christine Abey Ashaolu, Chibuzor Onyinye Okonkwo, Elizabeth Njuguna and Dennis Ndolo
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Christine Abey Ashaolu: Chemical Evaluation and Research Directorate, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Federal Capital Territory, Abuja 900287, Nigeria
Chibuzor Onyinye Okonkwo: Biopesticides Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
Elizabeth Njuguna: Biopesticides Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
Dennis Ndolo: Biopesticides Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-14

Abstract: The global trend towards increased demand for organic food, greener environments, and the integration of biological control agents into pest management strategies has greatly enhanced the need for biopesticides. Biopesticides are made from micro-organisms or other natural substances and are, hence, generally environmentally friendly. However, despite their great potential—and in part due to regulatory challenges—relatively few biopesticides have been registered and commercialised in Nigeria compared to other African countries, such as South Africa and Kenya. Biological active agents are so diverse that applying the same safety standards to all of them is almost impossible. A comparative review of risk assessment processes of Nigeria’s biopesticide regulations with other developing African countries (South Africa and Kenya) and developed regions (the European Union and the United States of America) was conducted. Prolonged field testing, lack of bridged risk assessments, and technical checklists were identified as key factors hampering the research and development of biopesticides in Nigeria. Suitable amendments to the existing regulations guiding biopesticide formulation and utilisation in Nigeria are recommended. Risk assessment matrices for microbial and biochemical pesticides and a scientific/technical checklist have also been developed. It is apparent that harmonisation and data exchange among countries in the region could enhance the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge for sustainable regulation of, and cross-border trade in, biopesticides.

Keywords: biopesticides; regulations; risk assessment; regulatory challenges; sustainability; Nigeria (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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