Companion planting increases food production by 250%. Researchers in South Africa are intercropping sorghum with legumes planted in zai pits to boost yields. The legumes fix nitrogen and the zai pits concentrate nutrients and water. Intercropping sorghum with cowpeas increased total grain production from 400kg/hectare to 1400kg/hectare. It also increased soil nitrogen and nitrogen uptake by the sorghum. Thousands of farmers in East Africa are also using companion planting by planting weeds in maize fields, which has raised yields by 60-70% by providing alternative foods for insect pests.