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Stay connected with us as we share our knowledge and experience in Push-Pull technology across the East Africa region – Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. We are dedicated to keeping you updated on our journey in the field of sustainable agriculture.

Community Roots for Resilience – On-Farm Training Boosts Push-Pull Adoption in Kumi District, Uganda

May 8, 2025

On May 1st, an on-farm visit and training session took place in Kabukol village, Kadami Sub-County, Kumi District, Uganda, marking another important step in the community-based dissemination of Push-Pull Technology (PPT). Led by Moses Lutaakome and Michael Otim from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and supported by project partners from ICIPE, including Grima Hailu, and Nathan Ochatun, the activity was part of the broader UPSCALE project, funded by the European Union. The training was carried out under the leadership of NARO’s National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), which in collaboration with ICIPE, is rolling out a community-driven approach to sustainable farming practices. This approach was initiated in 2024 in response to the urgent call by local farmer groups who were struggling with crop losses due to Fall Armyworm (FAW) and Striga weed, two of the most damaging threats to maize production in the region. Push-Pull Technology: A Community Solution to a Common Problem Push-Pull Technology offers a practical, ecological solution to these challenges. By intercropping maize with Desmodium (the “push” plant, which repels pests) and Brachiaria or Napier grass (the “pull” plant, which attracts them), farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides while improving yields and restoring soil

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Building Climate-Smart Skills: Push-Pull Training Empowers Farmers and Development Agents in Arsi Negele, Ethiopia

May 5, 2025

As part of its mission to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, the UPSCALE, in collaboration with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Ethiopia Branch, recently supported a comprehensive training session on Push-Pull Technology in Gobeta Arjo Kebele, Arsi Negele Woreda. Led by UPSCALE partner Andargachew Detebo from ISD, the training brought together 30 farmers, 8 women, and local Development Agents (DAs) to build hands-on capacity to implement this innovative farming system. Training Objective: Skills for Sustainability The primary aim of the training was to equip farmers and DAs with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to apply Push-Pull Technology—a proven method to combat pests, improve soil fertility, and enhance crop yields through companion planting of Desmodium (push) and Brachiaria (pull). In addition, the event sought to expand awareness and adoption beyond the project area by engaging partner NGOs. Participants were guided through: The core principles and benefits of Push-Pull Technology Field demonstrations on how to plant and manage Desmodium and Brachiaria Interactive sessions tailored to the local agroecological conditions A practical, hands-on module to build real-world experience in setting up push-pull plots Materials such as brochures, PowerPoint handouts, and an implementation guide for DAs were provided to support long-term learning and

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Strengthening One Health in Agriculture: UPSCALE’s Team on the icipe One Health Workshop

March 3, 2025

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) hosted a pioneering One Health workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, on February 27th and 28th. The workshop brought together key stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers to explore the integration of One Health principles in agriculture. The event focused on strengthening human, animal, and environmental health connections within food and farming systems. The UPSCALE project team joined efforts to support the realization of this workshop, contributing valuable insights on sustainable agriculture and the role of nature-based solutions in promoting One Health. Representatives from UPSCALE, including Leon (Food for the Hungry, Rwanda), Fredah Maina (KALRO), Beatrice, Stella Okello (NALRO, Uganda), Detebo Andangachew (IDS, Ethiopia), and Alice Murage (KALRO), actively engaged in discussions on integrating One Health principles with push-pull technology (PPT) and other sustainable farming practices. Why One Health Matters for Agriculture The One Health approach recognizes the deep interconnection between human, animal, and environmental well-being. In agriculture, this translates into reducing harmful chemical inputs, promoting biodiversity, and adopting sustainable pest and weed management solutions. Push-pull technology, promoted by UPSCALE, aligns closely with One Health principles by offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pest control. It reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, improves soil fertility, and

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