In the last few decades, farmers have relied on synthetic pesticides to managed crop pests and diseases. This is because synthetic pesticides are easily available, have quick knock down effect, have varied modes of action and are reliable. However, some synthetic pesticides are not easily degraded, they leave residues in crop products, are expensive, are harmful to the user and are an environmental hazard.

Continuous cultivation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in monoculture systems represents the greatest factor deteriorating soil organic matter (SOM) in smallholder farms.

Competition for nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) under potato-based intercropping systems decreases the level of nutrients available for potato and subsequently influences nitrogen and phosphorous use efficiency.