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 enhances crop resilience—contributing to healthier food production systems that support both people and the environment.
One of the main topics explored during the workshop was the integration of One Health principles into sustainable agricultural practices. Experts highlighted how nature-based farming methods, such as push-pull, can enhance food security while minimizing environmental degradation. Participants emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure that farming innovations support public health and ecosystem services. Discussions also focused on scaling up sustainable solutions through policy support, farmer training, and digital tools.
UPSCALE’s Role in Advancing One Health in African Agriculture
By participating in this workshop, UPSCALE reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture that aligns with One Health principles. The project continues to work with farmers, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that push-pull technology is widely adopted as a tool for improving food security, protecting biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience.
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing remain key to ensuring that agriculture not only meets the growing demand for food but also contributes to healthier ecosystems and communities. This workshop was an important step toward integrating One Health into future farming solutions across Africa.
