Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

The meeting of Socio-ecological Modeling and Multi-Actors of Communities (MACs) was held in Bunda district from July 29th to 31st, 2024. It was held under the UPSCALE project with the aim to analyze the benefits of push-pull technology and update the progress of the project for sustainable maize production in the Mara region and beyond.

The meeting was organized by TARI Ukiriguru research center and attended by various stakeholders in the UPSCALE project, including researchers, local government authorities, Bunda district agricultural extension agents, agro-dealers, members of development communities, financial institutions, and farmers.

Among the issues discussed during the three-day meeting were the achievements, challenges encountered, and the way forward for the UPSCALE project implemented in the Mara region. In his presentation, MACs chairperson Dr. Emmanuel Sokombi said that initially, the project involved 4 districts of Bunda, Butiama, Rorya, and Tarime, but currently, it has expanded to two other districts, Serengeti and Musoma rural.

Wilbard Makoko, Managing Director of Mara Development Organization (MADEO), mentioned that his organization, in collaboration with TARI, has been implementing the project in primary and secondary schools in 4 villages in the Tarime district with the goal of reaching 1120 students in 28 schools (14 primary schools and 14 secondary schools). So far, 8 Push-Pull Clubs have been established with a total of 320 students.

During the invitation of the guest of honor, Eng Mwita Okayo, who was representing RAS Mara, TARI Ukiriguru center director Dr. Paul Saidia emphasized the vital role of the project in addressing critical challenges such as insect pest infestations, especially Fall armyworms, witchweed suppression, and improving soil fertility.

On the last day of the meeting, MACs members visited push-pull and other Conservation Agriculture demonstration plots owned by a lead farmer, Ms. Florentina Maganga, to witness the progress of the dissemination activities through her demonstration plots and the outreach in the area