Opportunities for expansion of push-pull technology as an agroecological and sustainable intensification approach in Africa

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Npj Sustainable Agriculture

Name of Author

Gudeta W. Sileshi, Addis Ababa University
Shem Kuyah, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Meredith C. Schuman, Universität Zürich
Frank Chidawanyika, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Beatrice W. Muriithi, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Charles A.O. Midega, Poverty and Health Integrated Solutions (PHIS)
Adewole Olagoke, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
Michael H. Otim, National Crops Resources Research Institute
Paramu L. Mafongoya, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Emily A. Martin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

The push-pull technology (PPT) has often been presented as a management strategy for stemborers and witchweed. However, its value as an agronomic practice and an agroecological approach remains largely underappreciated. This review aims to appraise the PPT used in eastern Africa, synthesize evidence for its ecological and economic benefits, and identify barriers to its adoption and opportunities for its expansion to other crops and farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

Recommended Citation

Sileshi, G., Kuyah, S., Schuman, M., Chidawanyika, F., Muriithi, B., Midega, C., Olagoke, A., Otim, M., Mafongoya, P., & Martin, E. (2025). Opportunities for expansion of push-pull technology as an agroecological and sustainable intensification approach in Africa. Npj Sustainable Agriculture, 3 (1) https://doi.org/10.1038/s44264-025-00069-x

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.