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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.

A practice abstract on upscaling PPT through schools in Kenya

July 23, 2024

The UPSCALE project started in November 2020 with the aim to provide sustainable solutions to pest and soil fertility management in smallholder farming systems in the sub-Saharan region of East Africa, while reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices. UPSCALE partner, Maseno University, is taking significant steps to promote Push-Pull technology (PPT) across Kenya, especially in promoting this technology to youth. One of the strategies of the UPSCALE team involves the establishment of PPT plots within local schools. These plots serve as practical learning sites where students, teachers, parents, and local farmers can gain hands-on experience with PPT farming. By integrating agricultural education into the school curriculum and community activities, the project aims to foster a deeper understanding and adoption of sustainable farming practices. In order to leverage engagement and knowledge dissemination, the UPSCALE team organizes field visits. These events are designed to bring together various stakeholders in the community, creating an opportunity for learning and collaboration. During these field visits, participants are educated on the principles and benefits of PPT farming. They learn how to establish and manage PPT plots effectively, which helps further in the improvement of crop yields and reduction of reliance on chemical pesticides. Till now,

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The 4th National MAC Meeting in Rwanda and socio-ecological validation with stakeholders

July 19, 2024

Name of the event: The 4th National MAC Meeting in Rwanda and socio-ecological validation with stakeholders Date: The 4th National MAC Meeting took place from 7th to 9th July 2024 Venue: The meeting was held in Kigali, Rwanda and it was co-hosted by Food for the Hungry and Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB). It was intended to increase awareness and, therefore, encourage stakeholders’ commitment to the implementation and implementation of push-pull technology (PPT). The meeting brought together different agriculture value chain players ranging from farmers (producers) to policymakers (Ministry of Agriculture and RAB). The 40 people attended including Rwanda MAC members, Maseno University as the lead of WP1, WP5 Leaders, UPSCALE Project coordinator and other high-level professionals. The 4th National MAC Meeting was officially opened and closed by the Director General of RAB. The overall objective of this event was to promote the benefits of push-pull, exchange ideas and good agroecological practices, share project updates, challenges, and solutions and monitor the progress of upcoming activities. Everything listed aimed to increase awareness and adoption of push-pull technology in the wider farming communities of Rwanda. The meeting was organized in two sections. The first one was organized in the form of

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The ‘Push–Pull’ Farming System

July 15, 2024

Push-pull technology in Africa is one of the biggest improvements in local agriculture and it has uplifted hundreds of smallholder farmers since the beginning of the 21st century. This technique has proven valuable for smallholder farmers who experience reduced crop yields and increased pest pressures due to striga, fall armyworm (FAW) and stemborers. This method has been intensely promoted and further developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and Rothamsted Research. Push-pull not only increases productivity but encourages sustainability in the region. The Challenges and Solutions: Reduction of Yield and Pest Risks Most farmers in Africa are confronted with the challenge of low yield productivity stemming from poor quality of soils and persistent acts of pests. Pests identified as the most problematic are Stemborers and the parasitic weed known as Striga Hermonthica which presents a big threat to Maize fields. It reduces food production and increases food insecurity. Old-fashioned techniques remain dysfunctional for the environment; farmers are in constant cycles of famine and poverty. The push-pull technology presents a secure way of solving pest and disease issues by leveraging plant and pest behaviour. This method involves growing Maize with Desmodium – a legume plant that Stemborers

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