In the Murundi Sector of Kayonza District, a localized agricultural shift is addressing long-standing soil degradation and pest infestations. For years, farmers in this region of Eastern Rwanda struggled with a root-eating worm locally known as Mukondowinyana.
This pest, often attracted by poorly decomposed organic matter, devastated staple crops such as beans and potatoes, leaving smallholders with diminished yields and financial instability.
The introduction of vermicompost liquid fertilizer, facilitated by the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project Phase II (KIIWP2), has provided a technical solution to these challenges. By training farmers in Farmer Field Schools, the project has introduced the use of Taiga worms to accelerate the decomposition of organic household waste, resulting in a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer that serves as both a soil enhancer and a natural pest repellent.
Measurable Gains in Productivity
The impact of this transition is evident in the production data reported by local farmers. Nyirampakaniye Dative, a resident of Rukoyoyo Village, noted that her potato harvests have increased significantly since adopting the bio-fertilizer. Previously, her yield averaged approximately 300 kilograms per hectare; today, that figure has risen to over 1,000 kilograms per hectare.
“Our farms have recovered,” Nyirampakaniye stated, noting that the liquid fertilizer produces healthier crops that are more resilient against destructive insects. This sentiment is echoed by Kaberuka Gilbert, the President of farmer facilitators in Murundi, who emphasized that the fast-acting nature of the liquid vermicompost has been a critical factor in managing the Mukondowinyana pest.
Agriculture as a Commercial Enterprise
Beyond immediate food security, the production of vermicompost has evolved into a secondary income stream. A cooperative of 26 farmers currently produces 21 liters of liquid fertilizer per week. With a market price of Rwf 1,500 per liter, the group generates approximately Rwf 30,000 monthly. To date, the collective has earned over Rwf 700,000 from sales, primarily to vegetable farmers seeking affordable organic inputs.
This shift toward “Farming as a Business” is a core objective of the KIIWP2 initiative. Dan Mandela, a Value Chain Development Specialist for the project, explained that the focus remains on building climate resilience and economic sustainability.
The project targets 40,000 rural households, aiming to transform traditional subsistence practices into profitable, climate-smart enterprises.
A Scalable Sustainable Model
The success in Murundi serves as a practical case study for sustainable agriculture in Rwanda. By converting waste into a high-value input, farmers are reducing their reliance on expensive synthetic fertilizers while restoring soil health. As Kayonza continues to face challenges related to soil exhaustion and climate variability, the adoption of vermicompost offers a low-cost, scalable strategy for maintaining agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
