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 fertility.
This visit had two goals:
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Assess the progress of community nurseries established to multiply planting materials through Desmodium vines and root splits.
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Train farmers on how to transplant and establish these vegetative seedlings in their push-pull fields.
On the Ground Impact
Thanks to the efforts of local leaders and mobilizers, community members were actively engaged in both the demonstration and training activities. The training brought together a diverse audience, including participants from the scientific community, farmers and media.
Nine community nurseries are currently multiplying Desmodium vines, showing strong progress and readiness for transplantation into full push-pull plots. Farmers reported increased confidence in raising and managing vegetative planting materials and appreciated the hands-on nature of the training, which demonstrated exactly how to establish and care for the system in their own fields.
This successful visit reinforces the value of community engagement in technology adoption. By responding directly to local needs and working hand-in-hand with farmers, the UPSCALE project and its partners are paving the way for sustainable agricultural intensification in Uganda.
With the groundwork now laid in Kumi District, the next steps will focus on monitoring plot establishment, sharing success stories, and expanding training to additional communities that face similar challenges.
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- Mr. Toby Dikan guiding the farmers when planting seedlings of Desmodium
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- Farmers and Mr. Moses Lutaakome (fore ground, with cap) excited after planting the two border rows of Brachiaria.
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- Farmers planting the border rows of Brachiaria during a training exercise at Kabukol village, Kumi district.
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- Mr. Toby Dikan (fourth-right), an agricultural officer in Kadami sub county, Kumi district, showing the participants how to prepare root splits of Brachiaria before planting.
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- Ms. Anna Margaret Akurut practicing what she had learnt about marking push-pull fields as the rest of the farmers are watching
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- Inspecting the nurseries of Desmodium nurseries at Kabukol village, Kumi district
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- UPSCALE team gathering information
