ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the main biological constraints to agriculture in Southern Africa. The impact of major pests on overall production and losses on specific crops are discussed. The importance of biotic constraints along the production chain from planting to postharvest and how this is a farmer giveaway that benefits the pest organisms is outlined. Postharvest losses due to insects as well as the negative effects of fungal moulds of grain on human health are outlined. The importance of alien invasive pest species to crop production is discussed, with examples of damage already done by involuntary but avoidable pest introductions. Some of the factors responsible for crop loss and possible solutions to pest management are then summarized.
