“Push-Pull" (www.push-pull.net) is an integrated, sustainablemethod of farming that improves maize yields and soil fertility:The stemborer pest is repelled by the smell of desmodiumplanted as an intercrop between the maize (“Push"). Napiergrass is planted as a border crop and it attracts thestemborers away from the maize field (“Pull"). Desmodiumcan also fix nitrogen and neutralise the striga weed. Thisincreases yields without the use of artificial fertilisers andpesticides. The napier grass is also a welcome source ofhealthy animal fodder. The aim of the project supported byBiovision is to extend this sustainable method to the regionaround Lake Victoria. Push-Pull is taught at numerous farmingcolleges and easy-to-understand information in the form ofcomics and manuals is being distributed to students. Practicalinstruction and short films are used to reach the farmers whooften have no or little formal education.

Integrated expansion of the project »