This document discusses the opportunities and limitations of biopesticide regulations in sub-Saharan Africa. A recent study found that over 90% of biopesticide products evaluated did not meet quality standards, and label claims were not supported by testing. Regulations need to ensure proper labeling, efficacy for the intended purpose, and safety for plants, animals, humans and the environment. Strengthening regulations requires engaging stakeholders, developing standards and procedures, increasing laboratory and institutional capacity, and monitoring the marketplace.

1. Opportunities and limitations of bio-pesticide
regulatory framework in sub-Saharan Africa for
improved quality, storage and profitability
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Regional Experts Workshop on Development, Regulation and Use of
Bio-pesticides in East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, 22–23 May 2014
Cargele Masso (IITA)

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A substance containing living microorganisms that
improve the growth of treated plants by reducing the
negative impacts of biotic stress
Bio-pesticide definition in COMPRO-II

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Example of a bio-pesticide
Label claims

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Bio-pesticide regulations: consideration
•Proper labeling to prevent product misrepresentation or
misleading information
•Efficacy for the intended purpose
•Safety to plant, animal, human, and environment when
used as directed

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Findings of a recent study (09-11)
•>90% of products evaluated did meet the quality
standards
•Label claims were not supported by testing results
•Inadequate labeling
•Limited capacity for marketplace monitoring

6. Labeling of microbiological products
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Mandatory requirements Optional requirements
Product name Brand name
Guarantee analysis Warranty
Directions for use Lot number
Registration number Label claims
Expiry date Complete list of ingredients
Company’s contact info Website
Net weight Storage precautions
Cautionary statement
Planting window (when applicable)

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Partners in participating countries
•Regulatory bodies
•Policy makers
•Research scientists
•Manufacturers of microbiological products
•Agricultural professionals
•Farmer organizations
•Agricultural NGOs
•…..

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Participating countries
•Ethiopia
•Ghana
•Kenya
•Nigeria
•Tanzania
•Uganda

9. Concluding remarks
 Engaging interested stakeholders
 Official SOPs for quality control
 Well-defined safety, efficacy, and labeling
requirements
 Strengthening laboratory capacity (material/human
resources)
 Capacity development (institutions/good practices)
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10. Concluding remarks (cont’d)
 Awareness creation (end-users)
 Product registration
 Marketplace monitoring
 Well-defined timeframe for file review (registration
processes; SDS)
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