Exploring technical and economic aspects of vermicomposting as a microenterprise in rural communities of Lebanon -

Abstract

This study aims to develop an efficient small-scale vermicomposting system suitable to the Lebanese context. It then considers how such a system can improve agricultural productivity sustainably while at the same time benefiting disfavored rural communities through decentralized, home-scale production. With the aim of optimizing the vermicomposting process, a simple and affordable model was developed using plastic crates, a locally-produced textile, and native earthworms. An on-campus collection trial tested the grounds for future organic waste collection systems. An extensive plant growth experiment confirmed that locally produced vermicast can maintain or enhance plant growth when replacing up to 25percent of typical potting media. In order to test the established vermicompost model within a microenterprise context, an enterprise simulation was carried out in a rural community of Lebanon. This study tested the ease and logistics of the system, as well as revealed some of the social dynamics surrounding the handling of earthworms and organic waste. Lastly, a social cost-benefit analysis indicates that the production and use of one ton of vermicast will yield an estimated $871 – 1,352 across three sectors - landfill operations, the private vermicompost microenterprise, and agriculture. This study demonstrates that vermicomposting is affordable, can be carried out through a microenterprise approach and has a promising market (agricultural sector, horticultural industry, home consumption), all of which will trigger very positive socioeconomic impacts. This sustainable activity can be considered, therefore, as a possible circular-economy solution to Lebanon’s linear production-to-consumption-to-waste market economy.