A smiling woman on a balcony. Photo. — In her future work, Grace Mercy Amboka plans to focus on agroecology and help improve farming in ways that work with nature instead of against it. Photo: Grace Mercy Amboka

How natural enemies can reduce pests

Page reviewed: 03/03/2026

Who are you? Could you give a short presentation of yourself and your research area?

“I'm an ecologist, and I study how insects can naturally reduce the number of pests that damage crops. My research looks at how different farming methods, like mixed cropping and monocropping, and the surrounding environment, such as soils and the surrounding landscape, affect these helpful insects.”

A cornfield and a sign that says "push-pull". An inset image of a plant with green leaves. Photo collage. — A push-pull mixed cropping field with maize grown together with Desmodium (inset). Desmodium is a leguminous crop that helps protect the crop from pests and improves soil health naturally. Photo: Grace Mercy Amboka

How does your research align with One Health?

“My work connects plant health with overall ecosystem health because when natural enemies, like insects, control pests, crops grow better and require fewer chemicals, which is healthier for the environment. Healthy crops support farmers’ food and income, which links to human health and wellbeing. Also, reducing chemical use helps protect other animals, people, and nature from harmful pollution.”

Two images combined into a collage. On the left, an image of corn fly larvae attacking a corn plant and on the right, a plant with pink flowers in a sorghum field. Photo. — Two major biological cereal threats in sub-Saharan Africa. Fall armyworm pest on maize (left), and a parasitic Striga weed in a sorghum field (right). Photo: Grace Mercy Amboka

What are your plans after your PhD?

“After my PhD, I plan to focus on agroecology and help improve farming in ways that work with nature instead of against it. I also hope to mentor and support young women and future leaders, share knowledge and help turn scientific knowledge into real solutions for farmers and communities in Africa.”