Global Opportunities and Challenges to the Uptake of Biopesticides: An Evidence Map

Rising global pesticide use has heightened concerns over human health and environmental impacts, driving interest in biopesticides as lower-risk alternatives within integrated pest management. Yet adoption remains limited. This study presents an evidence map of barriers and facilitators shaping biopesticide development and uptake. A mapping of academic and grey literature published between 2016 and 2025 revealed strong regional and thematic imbalances, with emphasis on microbial products and early-stage research, and limited attention to commercialization and long-term use. Key barriers include complex regulatory processes, insufficient extension and training, and product stability challenges, while facilitators relate to favourable safety profiles, efficacy, and compatibility with integrated pest management. Biopesticide adoption emerges as a system-level challenge driven by interacting institutional, socio-economic, and informational factors. The study highlights the need for region-specific roadmaps, risk-proportionate regulation, strengthened capacity across value chains, collaborative innovation, and targeted market incentives to accelerate sustainable pest management transitions.