In 2018, the Meru County Government allocated Ksh 4.3 million to provide farmers with resources for projects involving earthworms and black soldier flies.
Daniel Mwiti is one of the local farmers who took advantage of this multimillion initiative, despite the fact that many farmers were hesitant to participate.
He recounted experiencing mockery for adopting this approach, and even faced threats from his wife regarding the disposal of the worms.
“I stood my ground and told my wife and children that it was my project, and they should not be bothered since I did not want their help,” he said.
Mwiti, who engages in mixed farming, noted that several months later, neighbors and friends began to visit his home to gain insights into the practice of red earthworm rearing.
During the initial phase of the project, the farmers received various materials, including a 200-liter plastic tank.
Under the guidance of county officials, Mwiti divided the plastic tank into two equal parts and positioned them horizontally on a one-meter elevated structure.
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He placed 10 kilograms of concrete at the base of the half tanks, followed by a sisal sack, and then added a layer of river sand on top of the sack.
To create a suitable environment for the worms, Mwiti incorporated some waste silage onto the sand and poured 30 liters of water into each tank.
The county government supplied him with one kilogram of worms, which he supplemented by purchasing an additional kilogram from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) for Ksh 2,500.
In addition to selling worms, Mwiti produces organic manure derived from the silage waste that the worms consume.
He also extracts a liquid that serves as a foliar fertilizer, which he markets to farmers at Ksh 300 per liter.
Mwiti applies this liquid on his own farm and utilizes the worms to feed his 2,000 catfish.
“Since the concentrate is rich in protein, I experimented by adding it to the water that my cow drinks. The results were amazing. Within two weeks, the daily milk yield increased from five litres to 12 litres,” he added.
