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Earthworms helping smallholders increase crop yields
“The next green revolution is going to come from earthworm technology.” – Ephraim Whingiri, Zim Earthworm Farms
Speed read
- Zimbabwe is suffering from decreased production of cereals, especially maize
- A project turns to earthworms to help smallholders increase crop yields
- An expert says earthworms help turn wastes into organic fertilisers
A project in Zimbabwe is promoting the use of earthworms to enable the country’s small-scale farmers improve soil fertility and boost crop yields.
The earthworms eat organic wastes, and their faeces that are more potent than ordinary compost are used to improve soil fertility, according to Ephraim Whingiri, the chief executive officer of Zim Earthworm Farms (ZEF).
ZEF held a campaign last month (26 August) in the capital Harare, and so far has trained 100 farmers to use earthworm technology.
Experts say that increased soil degradation and soil infertility have led to the massive drop in food production in the country, thus requiring interventions to boostagriculture.
“Soil conservation technologies enhance productivity and help farmers realise increased production,” says Whingiri.
Read the full article: SciDevNet
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