The role of Push-Pull technology in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
The Push-Pull technology is making a substantial contribution to the ‘uniquely African green revolution’ as called by Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary-General. The technology fulfils most of the agriculture-related recommendations of the United Nations Millennium Project’s Task Force on Hunger. Global opinion is now united in the belief that efforts to improve Africa’s agricultural productivity must be based on technologies that are highly environmentally friendly and people-centred, in comparison to those that fuelled the Asian green revolution. Push–Pull is a much healthier approach to pest and soil fertility management, and it teaches farmers how to become food-secure and build a livelihood on just a small piece of land without demanding inputs of cash or labor that are beyond their resources. It provides forage for livestock and contributes directly to poverty eradication. It enables farmers to meet demand for milk and meat, and in protecting and enhancing soil fertility and biodiversity. As Push-Pull continues to spread and achieve a positive, long-term impact, it is playing a vital part in helping African countries to accelerate themselves on the path towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Goal 1: Eradicate Hunger and Extreme Poverty
I am a widow and my Push-Pull farm has been my husband as it provides all my needs; I am now food secured and able to take care of my grandchildren.
Abigael Anyango from Eshirali Village, Butere District, Kenya
Paying school fees for my children is not a problem to me nowadays just because of Push-Pull technology.
George Ojiambo, Buroboi Village, Busia District, Kenya
Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women.
The training I got in establishing Push-Pull has built me and I now have good farming knowledge and skills. My social status in the community has increased as people now come to seek farming advice from me.
Nereah Sanya, Emasiebi Village, Busia District, Kenya
Goal 4: Reduce Infant Mortality
Through Push-Pull technology my dairy goats have access to quality fodder and are producing enough milk for my children to drink for good health and are free from malnutrition.
Mary Anyango Omongo, Imbo Village, Homabay District, Kenya
Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
At least I can nowadays even get surplus maize to sell and get additional income for other household needs. I am drinking milk from my dairy goat which is for good for my health.
Margaret Onyach, Kitueru Village, Rongo District, Kenya
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases
As widows, we are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. Through participation in Push-Pull technology, we meet weekly and use the forum to learn more on the technology and engage in income generating activities which have empowered us to live an independent life and in positive way for the sake of our children.
Hellen Otieno, Lambwe, Suba District, Kenya
Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Nature works! The Push-Pull technology has controlled striga weed and insect pests by using local plants and nature. It has improved our yields three-fold without using pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which damage the environment. Desmodium has also improved our soil fertility. I use desmodium and Napier grass to feed my dairy cattle and goats.
Remjus Asewe Bwana, Yenga Village, Kisumu District, Kenya
Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development
HPI works in partnership with Push-Pull Project to end hunger and poverty through provision of dairy goats and cows to farmers. Our collaboration in Kenya has enabled families to achieve self-reliance in food production and income generation on a sustainable basis. This experience can be replicated in other countries to develop a global partnership for development.
Alex Kirui, Country Director, Heifer International (HPI), Kenya
Our Goal
“To end hunger and poverty for
10 million people by extending Push-Pull
technology to 1 million households in
sub-Saharan Africa by 2030”, Zeyaur Khan, Coordinator,
Push-Pull Programme
Research Partners
