World Earthworm Day, celebrated on 21 October 2024, highlighted the crucial role earthworms play in promoting healthy soil and sustainable farming practices. Masego More, CEO of VermiVillage, shared how her company is leveraging these small but mighty creatures to drive regenerative agriculture in South Africa through vermiculture and organic composting methods.

More’s journey into vermiculture began during her university years, where she participated in Enactus, a global student organisation focused on entrepreneurial solutions to community challenges. This experience opened her eyes to the potential of vermiculture in addressing soil health issues faced by local farmers.

VermiVillage focuses on producing vermicompost – nutrient-rich compost created through earthworm processing of organic waste. This sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers has become increasingly important as global events, like the war in Ukraine, have driven up fertiliser costs. VermiVillage’s target market includes farmers, nurseries, and home gardeners, all seeking to improve soil quality while reducing input costs.

In addition to vermicompost, the company also produces “worm tea”, a liquid by-product of the composting process, and sells worms to pet shops and fishermen. However, More noted that vermiculture remains relatively unfamiliar in South Africa. To change this, VermiVillage holds information sessions in rural communities, educating farmers on organic composting’s benefits and providing training and starter kits to help them begin their worm farms.

Looking ahead, VermiVillage aims to expand its sustainable waste management initiatives, including partnerships with hotels and restaurants to collect food waste and potential collaborations with cattle farmers to manage cow dung. These efforts align with global sustainability goals, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly farming practices.

In addition to vermicompost, the company sells worms to pet shops and fishermen. Photo supplied

More encouraged anyone interested in starting vermiculture to be patient and adaptable, as maintaining a thriving worm farm requires continuous learning. VermiVillage will be showcasing its work at the Meals on Wheels Farm’s World Food Day event on 25 October, offering the public a chance to learn more about the benefits of vermiculture firsthand.

OFM Agri/Robyn Schutte cg