🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Insect biodiversity: the invisible foundation of Sahelian agroecosystems and food security
via Lefaso.net8 min read
Dr. SOME/DAO Madjelia Cangré Ebou, Research Director at CNRST/INERA in Ouagadougou, highlights the critical role of insect biodiversity in agroecosystems and food security in the Sahel, coinciding with the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2026. Insects, comprising 75% of the animal kingdom, are essential for pollinating crops, regulating pests, fertilizing soils, and maintaining ecosystem balance. Research in Burkina Faso on Moringa oleifera and Piliostigma reticulatum demonstrates that insect biodiversity is fundamental to survival. These two multi-purpose woody species are vital for maintaining entomological diversity and ecological function in Sahelian agroecosystems. Piliostigma reticulatum supports 30 insect families across 10 orders, serving as a habitat, food source, and breeding ground for pollinators, agricultural auxiliaries, and organic matter recyclers. Its long flowering period ensures continuous nectar and pollen availability. Similarly, Moringa oleifera flowers provide significant nectar for pollinators like bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, also hosting diverse useful insects and phytophagous species. These species act as "biological crossroads" for Sahelian entomofauna, supporting a diverse network of insects crucial for ecological balance and agricultural sustainability. The disappearance of even one link in this chain can lead to cascading ecological imbalances, affecting agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and food security
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