By Noko Mashilo
At 48, Mamosweu Tsoabi has embraced a career that many would find unappealing – worm farming. While most shy away from environments associated with strong odours, Tsoabi thrives in them, transforming organic waste into valuable, nutrient-rich compost. In the world of vermiculture, the occasional unpleasant smell is a small inconvenience compared to the significant benefits: healthier soil, reduced waste, and a sustainable future.
Tsoabi specialises in farming nightcrawler worms, which can grow up to five inches long, resembling small snakes. “Their active behaviour, both day and night, plays a critical role in improving soil health. A single worm can lay up to 3000 eggs, enough to fill a litre,” explained Tsoabi, founder of Serapeng sa Ditlhare, an environmental organisation based in Waterdal in Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg.
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Despite the high demand for vermiculture products, Tsoabi notes that there are very few worm farmers in South Africa. “In the Vaal region, I am the only one. My clients include gardeners, farmers, fisheries, and bird keepers,” she said. Tsoabi sells 10kg of worms for R150 and 2 litres for R40.
The process of worm farming, or vermicomposting, is both straightforward and sustainable. “We collect ground worms and use soil free from chemicals. The worms are fed a mixture of cardboard, newspapers vegetables, and cow dung. The soil is kept moist, which allows the worms to release liquids that transform the soil into nutrient-rich compost, commonly known as worm compost and worm tea,” Tsoabi shared.
She began vermiculture in 2016, driven by her passion for organic farming and her concerns about the environmental impact of chemical pesticides. “Worm farming allows us to produce vegetables without relying on harmful chemicals,” she said. Winter presents one of the biggest challenges for her operation. “Worms rely heavily on cow dung and green materials for feed, but during winter, grazing lands are dry and cows must rely on stored artificial feed,” she explained.
Tsoabi highlights the environmental benefits of vermiculture, particularly in waste management and soil health. “Vermicomposting helps rehabilitate soil that has been damaged by drought-resistant seeds, restoring its fertility and balancing the ecosystem,” she said.
