Natural Pest Control Gains Ground: Push-Pull Technology Adopted by Organic Maize Farmers in Western Kenya

In the fight against stemborer and fall armyworm infestations, organic maize farmers in Bungoma, Kakamega, and Vihiga counties are rapidly adopting Push-Pull Technology (PPT). This chemical-free pest control method, originally developed by ICIPE (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology), is now hailed as one of Africa’s most effective integrated pest management (IPM) tools.

How Push-Pull Works:

• “Push” plants like Desmodium are intercropped with maize to repel pests using natural odors
• “Pull” plants like Napier or Brachiaria grass are planted around the maize to attract and trap pests
• Desmodium also fixes nitrogen and suppresses weeds like striga

Success Metrics:

• Up to 80% reduction in stemborer damage
• Improved maize yields from 8 bags/acre to 20 bags/acre
• No need for synthetic pesticides or GMOs

The technology is particularly suited for organic certification, offering both pest control and soil fertility benefits.

Farmer Training and Scaling Up:

NGOs and county governments have scaled up efforts to train over 5,000 farmers through demo plots and farmer field schools. Youth and women groups are being supported to establish seed banks for Desmodium and Brachiaria.

Ecological and Health Advantages:

• Reduces chemical residues in food
• Enhances soil structure and biodiversity
• Promotes farm-level climate adaptation

Push-Pull Technology reflects the essence of organic, regenerative farming that aligns with both environmental and economic sustainability. As the long rains taper off, it’s the ideal time to plan intercropping systems for upcoming planting cycles.