Experiences from Helvetas projects in Laos, Ethiopia and Mozambique show how biodiversity-based approaches can effectively manage agricultural pests while improving productivity. In Laos, farmers successfully combined biological control methods—such as the use of predatory insects—with locally produced solutions like tobacco sprays to combat the fall armyworm, significantly reducing crop losses and increasing yields. In Ethiopia, smallholder farmers are using mixtures of cattle urine and plant-based extracts (e.g. neem, garlic, aloe vera) alongside crop rotation and organic fertilization, resulting in healthier soils and reduced pressure on pollinators. In Mozambique, the application of “effective microorganisms” has helped suppress plant diseases, reduce pesticide dependence, and increase yields, while also creating new income opportunities through beekeeping. Across all cases, integrated pest management approaches that combine ecological knowledge with local practices contribute to more resilient farming systems and reduced environmental impact.
