Push-Pull Technology (PPT)
Wollo University, in partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Development and the McKnight Foundation, conducted two developmental research projects from 2016 to 2020 to evaluate Push-Pull Technology (PPT). Both projects were funded by the McKnight Foundation. The first project was focused on introduction of PPT, while the second titled “Harmonizing Push-Pull Technology to Local Farming Practices through Farmers Research Network (FRN).” Focused on customization of the technology to the specific farming situation.
PPT is a climate-smart biological control method targeting stem borers and Striga, which are significant causes of yield losses in sorghum and maize production in Northeastern Ethiopia. The projects were implemented using a mother-baby trial approach, allowing farmers the flexibility to adapt and evaluate the technology within their socio-economic contexts, while researchers conducted controlled experimental research in the field.
The results of these projects have been documented in peer-reviewed journals. One article summarizes the evaluation results of the technology, and another explores farmers’ perceptions of the technology.