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Despite the negative effects of synthetic pesticides on health and the environment, their use continues to increase, particularly in tropical agriculture, supported by public and private subsidies. This paradox persists despite reduction policies and recognised agroecological alternatives. The study analyses the institutional and socio-economic barriers hindering the transition to agroecology, based on research conducted in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Cambodia. Three levels of barriers are identified: macro (agricultural regulations and policies), meso (distortions in competitiveness between sectors), and micro (profitability for farmers). Massive support for pesticides creates an asymmetry with alternatives, which lack infrastructure, training and financial support. This situation poses a hidden cost problem (health, pollution) and calls into question the relevance of current policies. The study calls for global regulations and corrective mechanisms such as tariff barriers based on ecological footprints.