The technology is appropriate and economical as it is based on locally available plants, not expensive external inputs, and fits well with traditional mixed cropping systems in Africa. To date it has been adopted by over 25,000 smallholder farmers in East Africa where maize yields have increased from about 1 t/ha to 3.5 t/ha, achieved with minimal inputs.

 

The project is using a multifaceted approach in the dissemination of Push-pull:

1. Public Extension - Ministry of Agriculture’s programmes

2. Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)

The most preferred way of disseminating the technology is through integration with NGOs activities. Such activities include:

• Livestock fodder production

• Soil and water conservation

• Group development and capacity building - training, seed sourcing and livestock provision, etc.

• Community mobilization and sensitization

• Access to farm inputs and provision of information

• Utilizing special meetings – for example, food security sessions, etc

• Supporting marketing and encouraging a business ethic

• Income generation activities

• Adaptive research for on-farm verification and validation

3. The Private Sector

4. Eastern Africa Regional Partners

5. National and International Universities and Research Institutions