Cotton plays an important role in Africa's agricultural economy, yet its profitability is often challenged by high production costs. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of chemical insecticides—Chlorpyrifos® 480 EC, Karate® EC, and Bandit® 350 SC—against biopesticides—Eco-Bb®, Bolldex®, Delfin®, Nomu-Protec®, and Bb endophyte—in managing cotton pests. Among the tested pesticides, Delfin® incurred the highest expense at US$602, followed by Bolldex® at US$495.74, while Chlorpyrifos® was the most economical at US$28. Additional production costs amounted to US$1,396.50 per hectare, with labor being the most significant at US$544. The lowest production expenditure in the bollworm was observed with Karate® (US$1,455), whereas Delfin® had the highest (US$1,999). Bolldex® achieved the highest cotton yield (6,402 kg ha⁻¹), but Karate® had the greatest net profit (US$1,445.26 per hectare) and the best cost-benefit ratio (1.8). In the leafhopper, Bandit® produced the highest average seed cotton yield (6,394 kg ha⁻¹), followed by Bb endophyte (6,297 kg ha⁻¹). Net profit was highest with Bandit® (US$1,712), followed by Karate® (US$1,253), with Bandit® yielding the highest cost-benefit ratio (2). While biopesticides generally required higher investment than chemical insecticides, all treatments were financially viable.
