Impressing a man’s world with vermiworms and great yields

The GIZ-implemented Integrated Soil Fertility Management project promotes the use of integrated soil fertility management Ethiopian highlands. Vermicomposting is a technology that utilizes red earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to break down organic residues to produce nutrient-rich compost and worms for sale or poultry feed.?

Meet Birke - a female farmer and pioneer ?

Mrs. Birke Torba lives in the lush green hills of Bursa woreda in Southern Ethiopia. She is a mother of three and has always worked hard to ensure her children can attend university. She and her husband grow barley, faba beans, false banana, potatoes, apples and different vegetables to support their children. Everything was well until Birke decided to become a pioneer of integrated soil fertility management. ?

Facing the challenges along the way?

Superstitious beliefs about the worms led her children to refuse to eat the delicious food she made and even touch her. She was heartbroken and close to abandoning a very promising technology: vermicompost. ?

The compost produced by the vermiworms provides essential plant nutrients and increased soil organic matter leading to higher yields. The worms feed on organic waste like grass and leaves, all of which are easily available. Local customs forbid the interaction with snakes and worms are not too far off. Hence, worms are not just dirty and disgusting but they must be evil. Who would touch such tainted hands or eat food they prepared??

Birke's perseverance pays off?

The children and the community were adamant that she must stop vermicomposting and shunned her until they saw the incredible results. The green vegetable grew as thick as a man’s arm, the garlic flourished, the potatoes and faba beans doubled in size and the onions and leek were thriving. Slowly they all started to realize that the worms didn’t carry a curse but were instead a blessing. ?

Now, the children enjoy eating at her home again. The food she serves is richer and more diverse. Community members often come to visit to hear her story and learn from her success. Even local politicians come to see her fields and marvel at her kale. She also started a successful seedling business, selling them to surrounding farmers. She even sells garlic in the markets of Addis Abeba. She supports her children without worrying about saving for mineral fertilizer. Its volatile price and limited availability make vermicompost a viable and economical alternative.??

Vermicomposting empowers female farmers economically and can lead to increased influence in decision-making processes on the farm and at the community level. ?