Beyond chemicals: The eco-intelligence of traditional pest control in Kenya

When we think of conventional pest control today, what often comes to mind are shiny bottles of synthetic pesticides with complex names. Yet, long before laboratories and synthetic chemicals, farmers had their own laboratories — nature. Across different regions, as evident amongst smallholder farmers in Makueni and Kiambu Counties in Kenya, communities developed sophisticated ways to protect crops using local knowledge and natural materials. These aren’t just 'old-fashioned tricks'; they are eco-intelligent systems — rooted in local traditional knowledge, observation, biodiversity, and balance. These are quietly making a comeback as the world seeks greener, safer, and more resilient food systems. Numerous integrated pest management approaches exist, ranging from cultural, physical/mechanical, behavioral, biological and biochemical (botanical pesticides).