Farmers’ perceptions on the effectiveness of push pull technology to control maize stem borer (Chilo Partellus) in Gatsibo District of Rwanda

Abstract: This case study investigated the perceptions of farmers and the historical effectiveness of push-pull technology to control the maize stem borer (Chilo Partellus) in Nyagihanga sector of Gatsibo District (Rwanda). The investigation was done in collaboration with Food for the Hungry/Rwanda, an organization operating in the mentioned region. Historical data from the region show that the push pull technology can significantly increase maize yield while decreasing damages by the maize stem borer. The agronomist and livelihood officer at Food for the Hungry/Rwanda and 27 farmers participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in February 2019. The material was analyzed using a framework (thematic) analysis of farmers ‘narratives about the push pull technology. Maize harvest during three consecutive growing seasons (2016A, 2017A and 2018A) showed a remarkable and continuous increase of yield in push pull plots, in comparison with a maize monoculture. Farmers appreciated the technology, mentioning a range of benefits during the interviews but they stressed the challenging side of it. The most-mentioned benefits of the method were stem borer control, maize yield increase and fodder for animals. On the other hand, the mostmentioned limitations were the increase of labor cost (for the very first installation), the necessity of a new crop rotation and the difficulty to access high quality desmodium seeds. The results of the study show that push pull technology is beneficial, as many other previous researchers have proven, especially for maize stem borer control. Nevertheless, the working environment, consisting of the agriculture policy and regulations, the food needs and the income state of smallholders, and many other external factors can have a detrimental impact on it as a farming system. Because the current agricultural policy is not actively supporting the adoption of the push pull technology, the development of a strong collaboration between all the stakeholders is essential to establish a strong maize production system.