“Push-Pull" (www.push-pull.net) is an integrated, sustainable

farming method that improves maize yields and soil fertility:

The stemborer pest is repelled by the smell of desmodium

planted as an intercrop between the maize and beans

(“Push"). Napier grass is planted as a border crop and it

attracts the stemborers away the maize field (“Pull").

Desmodium can also fix nitrogen and so improves maize

yields without the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides.

The napier grass is also a welcome source of healthy animal

fodder. The aim of the project supported by Biovision is to

extend the use of this sustainable method in the area around

Lake Victoria. The Push-Pull method is being taught at many

agricultural schools and information that is easy to

understand is being made available in the form of manuals or

comics. Practical instruction and short films are used to reach

the farmers who often have little or no formal schooling.