Daniel Mwiti, a retired teacher and farmer from Kaguma in Meru County, is among the few farmers in Kenya delving into the lesser-known but lucrative practice of earthworm farming.
As part of a 2018 Meru County initiative that provided resources to farmers for projects involving earthworms and black soldier flies, Mwiti began rearing red earthworms. This venture has not only become a significant source of income for him but has also drawn considerable attention, with many people visiting his farm to learn about earthworm farming.
Mwiti, who engages in mixed farming, recalls that at the start of the project, he received various materials, including a 200-liter plastic tank, which he cut into two equal parts and mounted horizontally on a one-meter elevated structure.
To set up the base, he spread about 10 kilograms of concrete, placed a sisal sack on top, and then added a layer of river sand.
To create a suitable environment for the worms, Mwiti collected waste silage from his cowshed, spread it over the sand, and poured 30 liters of water into each tank.
He sourced the earthworms from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) at a cost of Sh2,500 per kilogram.
Mwiti explains that the primary goal of rearing these worms is to produce vermiliquid, a process that takes about four months. Vermiliquid is a valuable foliar fertilizer.
“Every two weeks, I add more water and food for the worms. The sand and concrete filter the water, and after four months, I’m ready to harvest the liquid, which is used as foliar fertilizer,” he explains.
After four months, Mwiti harvests both organic manure and a protein-rich liquid.
He typically collects about 80 liters of the liquid, which he sells to farmers at Sh300 per liter. Additionally, he sells seed worms at Sh2,500 per kilogram.
“Because the concentrate is rich in protein, I decided to experiment by adding it to the water my cow drinks. The results were remarkable. Within two weeks, the daily milk yield increased from five liters to eight liters,” he notes.
