Natural Pest Regulation and Its Compatibility with Other Crop Protection Practices in Smallholder Bean Farming Systems

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production and storage are limited by numerous constraints. Insect pests often the most destructive. However, resource-constrained smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) do little to manage pests. Where farmers use a control strategy, it typically relies on chemical pesticides, which have adverse effects wildlife, crop pollinators, natural enemies, mammals, development of resistance Nature-based solutions —in particular, using biological agents with sustainable approaches that include biopesticides, resistant varieties, cultural tools—are alternatives control. significant barriers their adoption SSA lack field data knowledge enemies pests, safety, efficacy, spectrum activities, availability costs sources for different cultivars, spatial temporal inconsistencies methods. Here, we critically review options particularly black aphid (Aphis fabae) pod borers (Maruca vitrata). We identified pest regulation as option greatest potential this farming system. recommend adapt due its compatibility other approaches, such tools, biopesticides effective management, especially SSA.