Market Trends of Middle East & Africa Biopesticides Industry
Bioinsecticides are Dominating the Market
Bioinsecticides have emerged as a dominant segment in the Middle East and Africa due to their target-specific nature and increased incidence of insects across crops, particularly in Africa. For instance, Africa hosts 27% of the world's cereal production, which, in 2023, was threatened by the fall armyworm insect, reducing maize production by 21 to 53%, according to Agriculture and Food Security. Thus, to address the growing concern for reduced harvest, along with environmental and human health, farmers are increasingly switching to bioinsecticides for their crops, fueling the overall revenue of the biopesticides market. Additionally, the regulatory environment in the Middle East and Africa is increasingly favoring the use of bioinsecticides due to their safety and low toxicity levels. This support encourages farmers to adopt bioinsecticides as a sustainable pest control solution.
Major companies, such as BASF SE, invest in developing African bioinsecticides. Thus, farmers in the Middle East and Africa are resorting to bioinsecticides to decrease crop damage and prevent the loss of yields from insects.
Saudi Arabia is the Fastest-growing Country in the Market
Saudi Arabia is witnessing the fastest-growing biopesticide market in the MEA due to the country's concerted efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and improve innovation in the agritech sector has created a conducive environment for the growth of the biopesticide market.
Moreover, the increasing consumer demand for organic food in Saudi Arabia is driving the adoption of organic agriculture practices. This demand is fueled by a rising interest in healthier nutritional options and concerns about food safety. The growing focus on sustainable agriculture and organic practices is driving innovation in the biopesticide market. Advancements in biopesticides and other bio-based agricultural inputs are gaining popularity as farmers are looking for long-term solutions that meet organic farming principles. This trend is driving the country's biopesticide market's growth and diversification. Notably, the organic acreage in Saudi Arabia was recorded at 18,63 ha in 2019, which significantly increased by about 25.1% by 2022, reaching 23,315 ha. Thus, the notable increase in the organic acreages in the country indicates the increasing importance of organic farming practices, such as the usage of biopesticides in the region.
