Push-pull technology enhances resilience to climate change and prevents land degradation: Perceptions of adopters in western Kenya

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Farming System

Name of Author

• Pierre Celestin Ndayisaba, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board
• Shem Kuyah, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• Charles Aura Odhiambo Midega, North-West University
• Peter Njoroge Mwangi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• Zeyaur Rahman Khan, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi

Publication Date

7-1-2023

Abstract

Climate change and land degradation adversely affect food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Smallholder farmers are the most affected. Therefore, it is imperative to identify technologies that boost resilience to climate change, and restore lands. Push-pull technology is among proposed solutions. This technology controls stem borers, fall armyworm, striga, mycotoxins; improves availability of nitrogen and phosphorus, and stores increased carbon in biomass and soils. Though much has been published about push-pull technology, there is a lean in publications about how this technology can help smallholder farmers to cope with climate change and variability. Here, we present perceptions of adopters of push-pull technology in western Kenya with regard to climate change and land degradation, and discuss reasons it should be adopted widely. We compared push-pull and other maize-based cropping systems in western Kenya, through interviews. Push-pull technology produces 0.3–1.1 t more maize ha−1 compared to maize-bean intercrop, and maize monocrop when the season is drier than normal. Additionally, push-pull provides 3.6–9.8 t more fodder during drought-stricken seasons. Push-pull technology covers 70% of the soil surface compared to 20% cover found in maize-bean intercrop and maize monocrop. In push-pull farms, 150–280 kg nitrogen, 13–24 kg phosphorus and 370–470 kg potassium can be recycled through biomass and this is five times greater than the potential for maize-bean intercrop and maize monocrop. There is need for wide adoption of push-pull technology to increase resilience of farmers to climate change and restore degraded lands.

Keywords

Erosion control, Food security, Integrated soil fertility management, Soil conservation, Sustainable agriculture

Disciplines

Agricultural Science | Environmental Sciences | Soil Science

Recommended Citation

Ndayisaba, P., Kuyah, S., Midega, C., Mwangi, P., & Khan, Z. (2023). Push-pull technology enhances resilience to climate change and prevents land degradation: Perceptions of adopters in western Kenya. Farming System, 1 (2) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.farsys.2023.100020