An overview of biopesticide regulatory frameworks in selected countries in Southern Africa

Biopesticides are pest control products derived from microbes and botanical extracts. They are increasingly important as a key element in many pest management programs. The growing interest in biopesticides reflects the increasing global demand for more sustainable agricultural practices. Flexible policies and regulations are crucial to encourage responsible innovation and ensure the availability of effective and sustainable pest control products, including biopesticides, to support this shift. This review of biopesticide regulatory systems in six Southern African countries was done through desktop reviews of relevant legal documents and in-person interviews. Key factors to be considered in developing guidelines for biopesticide registration are addressed. Furthermore, this review examines the legislative processes in six Southern African nations: Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. While sharing some commonalities, each country’s legislative framework reflects unique constitutional and procedural characteristics. The study details the stages of bill passage, from initial drafting and introduction to presidential assent, highlighting variations in parliamentary structures, public participation, and the role of subsidiary legislation. Across these nations, the constitution serves as the supreme law, guiding the powers and procedures of their respective parliaments. The analysis underscores the importance of understanding these legislative processes for effective governance and law-making within the region, emphasizing the interplay between constitutional provisions, parliamentary practices, and executive authority in shaping national legislation. Additionally, the review identifies challenges that could hinder developing a regionally harmonized regulatory system for biopesticides. It ultimately makes recommendations for regulatory changes and legal steps that countries should take to integrate provisions of the harmonized guidelines into their national regulatory processes.