Vincent Sindikubwabo came up with an innovation using earthworms to produce low-cost high-quality fertilizer for small and medium-scale farmers known as vermicompost.
Agripreneur studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at Lycée de Kigali. Then, he continued his studies at the University of Rwanda in plant science, conservation, and environmental protection fields that promote sustainable agriculture for the benefit of mankind.
He pursued a further master's degree in Antwerp University in Belgium, where he studied climate change with waste management, the effect of those two issues on the environment, and possible solutions.
Speaking to EcoAgrimedia, Sindikubwabo explained that he noticed the challenge for small farmers faced due to the lack of affordable fertilizer, which inspired him to apply his academic knowledge and establish VERMIFARM Ltd.
"I realized that small farmers were not able to afford industrial fertilizer as the costs are high and soils are degraded. I wanted to provide an affordable and sustainable solution," he said.
Established in 2021 in Nyamata, Bugesera District, VERMIFARM Ltd started with the goal of transforming waste that would otherwise harm the environment into organic farming
Sindikubwabo started small at first with very few bins, but this is such that his approach uses earthworms (Eisenia fetida, red wigglers) whose farming is known for quality compost production, enhancing soil fertility beyond commercial fertilizer at and without harming the environment and biodiversity.
He explained the process making of vermicompost:
"We collect food waste with manure, we put them in prepared bins, add earthworms and let them process the materials. After 6- 8 weeks, it is high-quality vermicompost."
Rich in nutrients such as NPK and micro-nutrients, plus carbon, the fertilizer increases crop yields by 30% to 40% against the conventional fertilizer while retaining moisture in the soil.
Vermicompost goes for the lower price of between Rwf 300-400 per kilo, thereby being made quite accessible to the small farmers. Sindikubwabo partners with farmer cooperatives and schools, while doing public awareness through social media and Agrishow exhibition.
At VERMIFARM Ltd, the vision is to put up new production sites all over the country and then stretch into Burundi and Uganda.
Further on, he wants to automate processes to increase production and cover a wider range of farmers across different regions.
Being the source of his livelihood, Sindikubwabo creates jobs for the youth and women, addresses the challenge of high fertilizer costs imposed on farmers, and protects the environment and biodiversity that are beneficial to Rwandans.
He urged youth to begin from small levels and with what is available, saying: "Organic fertilizer has a constant market; it's a business with a future."
Training is also dispensed by the VERMIFARM sites at Bugesera, Rulindo, and Musanze in collaboration with cooperatives and agricultural institutions to organize public training sessions.
Written By Jean Bernard MUKUNDENTE