Bibliometric analysis of biopesticide research trends in Africa

The rapid growth of the global population raises concerns about the ability of production systems to meet food security challenges. In addition to climate uncertainties, pests and diseases are exerting increasing pressure on agricultural yields and the quality of harvests. To address these biological threats, biopesticides have gained increasing attention in recent decades as sustainable and promising alternatives to synthetic pesticides. However, there are notable disparities between countries or regions in terms of research and the adoption of these products. Therefore, this study uses a bibliometric approach to examine scientific literature and provide insights into the current landscape and future trends of biopesticides research in Africa from 1929 to 2024. The results indicated a steady increase in scientific production over the last three decades (1990-2024), with an annual growth rate of 4.92%. The most significant surge occurred between 2015 and 2024, with an average growth rate of 18.35%. South Africa stands out as the most active country in biopesticide research publications, followed by significant contributions from Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, and Benin. The presence of non-African countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom among the key contributors highlights collaborative efforts in this field. The temporal analysis indicated that research focus has shifted to emerging pest control, biopesticide commercialization, and risk assessment of biocontrol agents. While the prospects for biopesticide research in Africa are promising, further efforts are needed to strengthen local capacities, foster partnerships, and promote research initiatives across the continent.