Push-pull technology is a novel approach in pest management which uses a repellent intercrop and an attractive trap plant. Insect pests are repelled from the food crop and are simultaneously attracted to a trap crop. A ‘push-pull’ strategy was developed by ICIPE and its collaborators for the control of stemborers and striga weed in resource-poor maize farming systems. This technology controls both stemborers and striga and improves soil fertility.
How Training and Personal Drive Are Transforming Small-Scale Farming in East Africa
In Trans-Nzoia East Sub-County, Kenya, small-scale farming is the heartbeat of the local economy. Yet in recent years, one powerful idea has started to reshape these farms—and it goes beyond just growing crops. It’s about growing agripreneurs. But what exactly… Continue Reading…
“If Only Given a Chance” – How Push-Pull Technology is Transforming the Lives of Disabled Farmers
In rural Sub-Saharan Africa, farming is more than a job—it’s a way of life and a means of survival. But for many, especially those living with disabilities, traditional farming methods are physically demanding, inaccessible, and often socially exclusive. That’s where… Continue Reading…
Harnessing Napier Grass to Protect Maize from Stemborers
Stemborers remain a persistent threat to cereal crops like maize, sorghum, and millet across many regions of Africa. If left unchecked, these pests—particularly the African maize stemborer (Busseola fusca) and the spotted stemborer (Chilo partellus)—can lead to major yield losses…. Continue Reading…
Understanding the Dynamics of Push-Pull Technology Adoption in Western Kenya
In Western Kenya, where agriculture is the backbone of livelihoods, smallholder farmers face ongoing challenges from pests like Fall armyworm and Striga weed, which threaten crop yields and food security. In order to solve these challenges, the UPSCALE project has… Continue Reading…
Innovation and Development in Agricultural and Food Systems
In the evolving agricultural landscape, innovation is essential for enhancing food systems and improving livelihoods, particularly for farmers in Africa. With UPSCALE, the consortium works hard on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and technological advancements, equipping farmers with the tools necessary… Continue Reading…
Push-Pull Curriculum for Farmer Field Schools: Empowering African Farmers
Inspired by the “Push-pull Curriculum for Farmer Field Schools” and published by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), this blog dives into a transformative approach in agriculture that not only addresses current challenges but also uplifts communities… Continue Reading…
Mfumo wa kilimo wa vuta-sukuma waimarisha hali ya maisha
Discover how you can benefit from push-pull through the comic book.
Push-pull Curriculum for Farmer Field Schools
Push-pull is a knowledge-intensive technology that needs a curriculum designed to guide learning at various entry points of the technology for smallholder farmers.
Planting for Prosperity Push–Pull: a model for Africa’s green revolution
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is immensely proud of the ‘push–pull’ programme’s achievements.
Rwanda: Desk Study of Extension and Advisory Services
Rwanda is a unique African country with a unique history. Like many other sub-Saharan African countries, agriculture is the key livelihood for the majority of the nation’s people.
Transforming Gender Relations in Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa
This book is the result of a process to better understand the role of gender in agriculture that was initiated by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) in 2009.
Perception of Farmers on Push-Pull Technology: Using Farmers Research Network Approach in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia
Striga and stem borer are the major challenges to sorghum production and causing serious food security problems in Ethiopia.
