Advancing agricultural development for global impact

Project overview

Company: CABI

Company profile: Non-Governmental Organization/NGO

Technology or industry: Agricultural development, biopesticides, environmental protection

Key challenge: Identifying and developing a locally sourced biopesticide to address pest threats that could impact Zabmia’s agricultural economy.

CABI

CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International) is an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization established by a United Nations treaty-level agreement between 48 member countries.

CABI’s mission is to improve lives worldwide by addressing agricultural and environmental challenges through scientific expertise, information, and practical solutions. CABI focuses on issues such as food security, climate change, biodiversity, and the impact of science, working in partnership with governments, research institutions, farmers, and other stakeholders to empower communities and protect the planet.

HeyFever Consulting

Sustainable AgTech innovation isn’t just about great science. It’s about strategy. The agricultural market is filled with potential, but also complexity. Evolving regulations, shifting market demands, and lengthy product development cycles make it difficult to successfully bring solutions to market. Without the right guidance, even the most promising solutions risk delays, missed market potential, and wasted resources.

HeyFever Consulting helps AgTech innovators bring sustainable solutions to market - faster, smarter, and with impact. We bridge the gap between science, policy, and business, providing the expertise, insights and strategies needed to move forward with confidence. From identifying high-potential markets to securing product approvals and scaling products globally, we ensure that innovation doesn’t just stay in the lab, but it reaches the fields where it’s needed most.

The challenge

CABI, a global NGO dedicated to agricultural development and food security, sought to explore sustainable solutions for pest management in Zambia. With corn being a critical economic driver in the region, the growing threat of pests like the fall armyworm posed significant risks to farmers' livelihoods and the broader agricultural sector.

Developing sustainable solutions for local pest management

These challenges had the potential to delay product development, hinder market entry, and significantly impact CABI’s ability to provide solutions to the urgent agricultural challenges in Zambia and beyond.

Identifying viable local microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi) that could effectively control pests like the fall armyworm.
- Understanding complex regulatory barriers around biopesticide development, including patent rights, import restrictions, and the legality of using certain microorganisms.
- Navigating the safety standards for both human and environmental safety, which involved extensive trials and residue testing.
- Evaluating the feasibility of producing, pricing, and distributing a biopesticide product locally, while ensuring economic viability and market readiness.
- Understanding market demand and pricing for biopesticides, particularly in Zambia and surrounding countries.
- Researching challenges related to distribution, local farmers’ knowledge, prejudice and engagement with regulatory bodies.

The solution

Heyfever Consulting delivered a comprehensive roadmap to guide CABI in developing and bringing a locally sourced biopesticide to market, offering strategic insights and actionable recommendations.

Building a path to agricultural sustainability

We partnered with CABI to do a deep dive analysis of the bioprotection market and opportunities in and around Zambia and how to shift to integrated pest management.

We assessed Zambia’s regulatory landscape, identifying legal considerations for biopesticide development, such as patent status, import/export restrictions, and compliance requirements for safety and efficacy.
Our team conducted over 20 interviews with local farmers, distributors, government regulators, and agricultural stakeholders to gather critical market insights.
We identified promising local microorganisms, including strains effective against the fall armyworm, and conducted initial tests to assess production feasibility, cost structures, and potential market pricing.
We delivered a detailed report outlining the key steps to develop, register and scale a biopesticide solution within Zambia and potentially in neighboring countries or globally.
- A clear pathway for product development and registration.
- Analysis of competitors and existing products in the market.
- Investment estimates for scaling production and improving product efficacy.

Results: A roadmap for positive impact

Effective Biopesticide Development

By identifying locally sourced microorganisms and testing them for efficacy, safety and production costs, we’re enabling CABI to pursue a sustainable pest control solution to benefit local farmers and ecosystems.
A Defined Development Pathway

A step-by-step guide to developing a biopesticide, including regulatory requirements, market analysis, and investment needs.
Market Insights for Future Growth

Direct input from local farmers and stakeholders to ensure that any future product would meet market demands and overcome logistical or commercial challenges.
Strategic Planning Support

A foundation for CABI to pursue further research, secure investment, and initiate product development with confidence.

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If you’re working on agricultural development or tackling similar challenges in the AgTech space, HeyFever Consulting can help you navigate complex regulations, ensure compliance, and accelerate product development.

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