Although I was blessed to have a wonderful team of mentors and supervisors, it was very difficult to communicate and be on the same page at times. This is my first experience as an intern, so I was not prepared for the meticulous research this work would require

The report is being updated

I am interning at ICIPE researching communication methods in order to make push-pull technology, a system of intercropping, more accessible for smallholder farmers. The technology is proven to drastically increase crop yields and improve soil quality, and by making it more available to Kenyan farmers, more families may realize economic independence, food security, and access to education."

"This summer, I was an intern at ICIPE where I focused on designing a survey which I used to interview smallholder Kenya farmers about aflatoxin contamination in maize. The results of the research could be used to inform future agricultural policy and training programs in Kenya."

"As a Borlaug-Ruan Intern, I was able to interview multiple push-pull farmers from western Kenya. This experience has allowed me to broaden my perspective on agriculture while also motivating me for the future."

"Specific to my research, I learned about the value of conducting surveys of individuals and organizing focus group discussions. Also, as it was more challenging to get in contact with my mentors virtually, I learned the importance of communication and working together.."

"Lastly, I extend an immense amount of thanks to the staff at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. In a time where it would have been easier to just say “let’s try again next year,” you found a way to persevere. You navigated a series of challenges, burdens, and hoops to jump through, still offering a meaningful and valuable experience for myself and my fellow interns. Professor Zeyaur Khan, your expertise in the push-pull technology and previous experience in research made you a wonderful resource throughout the experience. Mr. Jimmy Pittchar, your background in Social Science was crucial in the process of creating and editing the questionnaires that were used throughout our research. Matilda Ouma, none of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the work you put in daily. Our time spent together became more than a research project. You have become a true role model in my life and someone I will look up to forever. Thank you for encouraging myself and the other interns to be the “woman pioneers” that we are. Phil Orondo not only ensured that technological support was always provided, but also never failed to greet us with a smile; a blessing at three o’clock in the morning."

"With the two months in Kenya, I came up with a goal of mine to gain knowledge and understanding of new farming technologies that is impacting farmers livelihoods and Livestock health and products. However, I came to realize that the success of the improvement of rural family quality of life was not individually accomplished by International Centre of Insect Phycology and Ecology (ICIPE) but because of the collaboration of ICIPE and NGOs."

"Throughout my time in Kenya, I have been able to observe the importance of agriculture on the people of its country. With 80% of the Kenyan population being dependent on agriculture (FAO). Majority of farmers are smallholder and grow just enough to survive. However, Kenya is facing a rapid population increase and putting millions of citizens at risk of food insecurity. By 2039, Kenya is expected to reach a population of 81 million people (Kenya, 2019). Between 2015 and 2030 alone, Kenya needs to increase agricultural productivity by 75% to meet this growing need (Welborn, 2018). ”

"Youth rural-urban migration in Kenya and Tanzania is increasingly becoming more prevalent. When youth migrate from rural to urban areas, they may become less engaged in agriculture which endangers the food security in their communities. This study explores the desire of youth to migrate along with the “push” and “pull” factors that influence their migration in order to develop strategies that will provide more opportunity for youth in agriculture."

"Since 2016, the invasive species Spodeptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm) has ravished though Africa causing substantial damage to cereal crops. Since their arrival they have been reported in over 30 African countries and are majorly affecting the livelihoods of subsistence farmers. Because of the recent invasion, farmers are coming closer to the point of food insecurity. My task was to find out how much local farmers knew, how much they were losing, and how that was affecting their livelihoods."

"The research will help with the next step in the process; the dissemination of information about these advancements"

"The goal of this research is to help self sustaining farmers to be able to feed their famlies and produce a livable income"

"This multiple disciplinary approach enables the institute to assemble a team of scientists from diverse educational backgrounds including, but certainly not limited to entomologists, chemical ecologist, molecular biologists, and acarologists participating in research throughout over thirty countries in Africa. Additionally, through collaborations with national, regional, and international organizations, the Centre is conducting research in programs such as fruit fly IPM, animal Trypanosomiasis, Malaria, ‘Push-Pull’ IPM, and climate change and biodiversity. "

" Aflatoxins can pose serious health risks including liver cancer, child stunting, and death if enough is consumed. Kenya is known for having the highest incident of acute toxicity; the largest outbreak of 317 cases, including 125 deaths, occurred in the country in 2004 (Unnevehr). While less researched, Ugandan samples of maize have provided evidence of contamination"

"Purpose of the ‘Push-Pull’ Technology: Poor soil quality, striga, and stem borer contribute to Africa’s low crop productivity. The production dramatically increases when controlling these three problems. ‘Push-Pull’ technology accomplishes the elimination of striga, stem borer, and soil degradation. "

"It was so incredible to hear and observe the impact of Climate-Smart Push-Pull on the lives of adopting farmers. To see not only a tremendous increase in yield but also an abundant improvement in overall livelihood was unfathomable. Education, nutrition, and opportunities unbiased to gender are just a few of the benefits that have proved the effectiveness of this agricultural technology-it was beyond anything I could have imagined".

“In these times of unprecedented climatic, economic, and environmental uncertainty, maintaining efficient, sustainable, and innovative agricultural operations has become a major concern for area farmers, and icipe’s promotion of Push-Pull technology has effectively begun to encourage agricultural success and food security among farmers.”

Anthony also received the Chrystal Award for his outstanding work

“It was interesting to note that, the women Push-Pull farmers I interviewed had been practicing Push-Pull for a longer time than men…, I also learnt that fellow female farmers and farmer teachers are able to empower females farmers. One such example is Mama Sarah Obama, President Barack Obama’s grandmother, who is a successful Push-Pull farmer and has taught many women in Kogelo, her small village on the benefits of the technology”

“When I asked farmers to give their recommendations for improving the rate of transmittance of Push-Pull technology information, the number one answer suggested by farmers was to spread information through groups, which is considered a sort of “melting pot” for methods of transmitting Push-Pull technology information; nearly all farmers are involved in some sort of community-based group”.

“As the number of years of education of the farmer increased, the more likely it became that the farmer had utilized the ‘Push-Pull’ technology for a longer duration of time and utilizing the various components of the technology has helped to drastically increase the overall resource-efficiency of farmers”

Megan received the Chrystal Award for her outstanding work

"Farmers in the area are subsistence farmers, they do not have the capital resources to obtain certain inputs, such as chemical pesticides, to control Striga problem, many use simple, ineffective techniques, such as the use of farmyard manure (cow dung) and constant weeding. This is where the Push-Pull technology steps in”

Bian also received the Chrystal Award for her outstanding work