Isaac Mulindwa, a smallholder farmer from Kyengera, used to wonder why his crops were not thriving, despite all the fertilisers he applied.
“I did everything right, or so I thought. But the soil remained poor, and yields were disappointing,” he says.
It wasn’t until he visited an agro-tourism farm in Bwerenga, Wakiso district, that he discovered an unlikely hero in farming, earthworms.
Dr. Emma Naluyima, raises earthworms as part of her integrated model.
“These little creatures are nature’s soil engineers,” she explains.
“They break down organic waste into vermicompost, a rich, natural fertiliser that improves soil structure, aeration, and water retention.”
According to Naluyima, just a handful of healthy soil can contain hundreds of earthworms, silently boosting crop productivity beneath the surface.
Francis Tinkasimiire, an insect farmer, adds that earthworms are crucial in regenerating depleted soils.
“They feed on organic matter and their castings, worm manure, are full of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s organic, cost-effective, and perfect for sustainable farming,” he says.
Back on his farm, Mulindwa has started vermiculture, the process of breeding earthworms.
“The change is unbelievable. My crops are healthier, and I have reduced spending on chemical fertilisers,” he says.
From reducing waste and restoring soil fertility to producing organic fertiliser, earthworms are proving to be silent partners in sustainable agriculture. As more farmers adopt this eco-friendly practice, the humble earthworm may soon be the most valued worker on the farm.
