Vermicompost Multiplication: A Sustainable Solution
Fayisa Bulo, a distinguished soil fertility specialist
at
IFDC and the lead trainer for the vermicompost multiplication training,
sheds light on the simplicity and effectiveness of vermicompost production.
Vermicompost production is very simple compared to the conventional compost preparation, hence its production is mostly women’s or youth’s activity. You don’t need to be an expert to produce, but one can efficiently engage by simple training.
Says Feyisa.
A modest bed of dimensions 1m by 10m can yield an impressive 10 tons of compost and 25 kg of worms. The cost-effectiveness of vermicompost, priced at $17 per 100 kg, and worms at $9 per kg, positions it as a financially viable and sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Martha Yilma, an Inclusive Agribusiness Advisor at 2SCALE, emphasizes the crucial role of vermicompost multiplication skills in empowering farmers.
Beyond individual farming benefits, Martha underscores the potential for farmers to engage in profitable ventures by selling vermin worms or vermicompost in the market. This not only ensures sustainability but also transforms farmers into contributors to the wider Ethiopian agricultural value chain.
Benefits of Using Vermicompost
The advantages of vermicompost extend far beyond its cost-effectiveness. The farmers attest to increased production, improved soil fertility, and enhanced crop quality too. Moreso, the reduction in investment costs for synthetic fertilizers emerges as a significant financial boon for farmers, making vermicompost a pragmatic and economically viable solution.
By forming mini-groups and empowering local experts, the initiative seeks to create a grassroots movement. Through a "train the trainers" approach it aims to reach a larger number of farmers, fostering a community-driven agricultural transformation. The vision is ambitious – within five years, a significant portion of Ethiopian farmland should be covered with vermicompost, reducing the country's dependence on inorganic fertilizers and doubling overall production.
Denick, a male farmer, expressed his commitment to significantly enhance his agricultural output following a comprehensive two-day training on vermicompost multiplication, uses, and benefits. He says,
After this training, I plan to go back to my farm and double my vermicompost production and expand the designated area for vermicompost production on my farm.
To achieve this, he plans to allocate more than half a hectare (0.5 hectares) exclusively for vermicompost production. Denick is determined to transition away from inorganic fertilizers entirely within the next five years, aiming to cultivate his crops using Vermicompost for a more sustainable and eco-friendly farming approach.
Women Leading the Green Revolution
Observations and interviews conducted by Martha Yilma reveal a notable trend – women playing a pivotal role in the vermicompost revolution. The flexibility of vermicompost production, often undertaken in backyards, has empowered women to actively engage in sustainable farming practices. The success stories of female farmers like Madanit Mulato and Madanit Skada showcase not only increased agricultural independence for women but also highlight their critical role in driving the vermicompost revolution.
Madanit Mulato, an experienced female farmer, envisions her farmland being free from inorganic fertilizers within the next five years, with a doubled production output. Expressing her joy, she said,
Due to the use of vermicompost, the production and productivity of the crops that I am producing has increased dramatically. Another advantage is soil fertility has improved dramatically due to vermicompost use.
In her female-headed household, both genders contribute, but she serves as a significant role model.
Madanit Skada, a young female farmer, emphasizes that both men and women contribute to production, but women take a more prominent role. This active involvement in farming provides financial independence, eliminating the need to rely solely on husbands for income. Cultivating cabbage, onions, and various crops on her field allows her to generate income independently.
Vermicompost production, therefore, contributes significantly to gender inclusivity in the region by fostering female economic independence. When asked why youths should partake in vermicompost production, she replied,
Many youths have graduated from university and are wandering about in search for jobs. If we create a linkage and support them to produce Vermicompost, they can easily get income. Secondly, they can train the farmers and sell out to the farmers and many farmers can in turn benefit from this. As youths, they have a new beginning, and they can organize different unemployed youths to become gainfully employed.
For 2SCALE Program, one of our key focuses is inclusive agribusiness, as such various approaches are being adopted at regular intervals to achieve this impact both regionally and nationally within various countries identified. The vermicompost revolution in Ethiopia is not merely a shift in agricultural techniques; it signifies a paradigmatic change towards sustainable and community-driven farming practices.
As farmers embrace vermicompost multiplication, they are not only cultivating crops but sowing the seeds of prosperity, resilience, and self-sufficiency across the Ethiopian agricultural landscape. The journey towards reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and embracing organic, locally produced alternatives is not just a necessity; it's a pathway to a more sustainable and prosperous future for Ethiopian agriculture. To achieve food and nutrition security, the vermicompost revolution is not a choice; it's a strategic and visionary step towards a greener, healthier, and more resilient Ethiopia.
