Assessment of vermicomposting as a waste management technology and a livelihood alternative in the Philippines

Joel L. Adorada

Issue Date

12-2007

Abstract

A survey was conducted to assess vermicomposting as a waste management technology and a livelihood technology. The surveyed twenty-four (24) vermicomposting adoptors consist mostly of middle to upper class farmer entrepreneurs. They have innovated the technology in order to optimize the performance of their systems and make use of their available resources. In terms of economic viability, the technology was proven to be a good source of income aside from the various benefits which can be derived from its various products. Aside from the economic gains, savings were also derived by using the product itself and its derivatives. The social impact for most of the adoptors is not yet realized since small scale and newly initiated vermi projects did not entail much labor workforced in its operation and maintenance. Only the large scale vermi facilities demonstrated the positive social influence of the technology. For the environmental impacts, the technology has the potential to affect water, air and land resources positively. Some possible impacts include organic waste management, air pollution reduction and reduction in the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to some extent. However, extensive adoption especially in urban areas is necessary in order to address its solid waste problems.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

10

Issue

2

Page

28-39

Document Type

Article

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

tables, chart,

Language

English

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS