VicNic Environmental Consulting

 Introduction Maize is a staple crop for millions of smallholder farmers across Africa, but its production is frequently threatened by pests such as the fall armyworm and stem borers. Conventional pest control methods, including chemical pesticides, often lead to environmental degradation, resistance development in pests, and high input costs for farmers. A more sustainable and regenerative solution lies in Push-Pull Technology (PPT) —an innovative, eco-friendly approach integrating regenerative agroforestry principles to enhance pest control while improving soil health and biodiversity. Understanding Push-Pull Technology Push-Pull Technology is a biologically based pest management system that uses companion plants to repel (push) pests away from the main crop while attracting (pull) them towards trap crops. The system involves intercropping maize with desmodium (Desmodium spp.) and planting Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) or Brachiaria grass around the field perimeter. Push...

Agricultural productivity is under increasing threat from climate change, soil degradation, and erratic rainfall patterns. For sorghum farmers, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices is crucial for sustaining yields and improving food security. One such technique is the use of Zai Pits , a traditional yet highly effective soil conservation method that enhances water retention, restores soil fertility, and boosts crop yields. What Are Zai Pits? Zai Pits, also known as tassa or planting pits, are small, manually dug holes (typically 20–40 cm in diameter and 10–20 cm deep) designed to capture and store rainwater in dryland farming systems. These pits help rehabilitate degraded land and improve soil structure, ensuring better plant growth. How Zai Pits Work as a Soil Conservation Mechanism Zai Pits function by: Reducing Soil Erosion: The pits trap rainwater and prevent surface runoff, reducing soil loss and maintaining soil integrity. Enhan...

  The increasing threats of climate change have intensified the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Livestock farming, a critical sector in global food production, is often criticized for its environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, deforestation, and soil degradation. However, silvopastoral systems (SPS) offer a climate-smart approach to livestock production that enhances productivity while mitigating environmental damage. What are Silvopastoral Systems? Silvopastoral systems integrate trees, forage crops, and livestock within the same land area, creating a multifunctional agroecosystem. Unlike conventional livestock farming, which often involves extensive grazing on degraded land, SPS optimize land use by incorporating woody perennials such as trees and shrubs alongside pasturelands. This integration enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and provides economic benefits to farmers. Climate Change Mitigation through Silvopastoral...