Community Perception Towards Vermitechnology: Insights from Zamboanga City, Philippines

This study explores the perceptions, attitudes, and adoption possibility of vermicomposting technology (vermitechnology) among vegetable growers in Barangay Baluno, Zamboanga City. Vermitechnology, an eco-friendly waste management system that uses earthworms (African night crawler) to process and convert organic materials into organic fertilizer, offers significant economic and environmental benefits, such as reducing chemical fertilizer dependence, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Aside from its promising sustainability as an alternative to the rise of solid waste generation, it also serves as source of income for smallholder farmers. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 40 purposively selected vegetable growers through a self-developed questionnaire. Findings highlight high level of awareness and generally positive perceptions of vegetable growers recognizing its low capital requirements (M = 4.47), reduced chemical input (M = 4.45), and ease of management (M = 4.40). Vermitechnology was also seen as aligned with local farming conditions. Despite its advantages, vermicomposting faces several challenges among vegetable growers, particularly those categorized as laggards. These include the labour-intensive nature of the production process, unstable market demand due to low consumer awareness, and limited knowledge about the technology itself. In light of these challenges, the Organic Agriculture sector presents significant potential, offering avenues for strategic planning and technical assistance. The paper highlights the necessity for governmental action to enhance market connections, encourage local production, and provide assistance to smallholder farmers. By addressing these challenges, Zamboanga City could be better positioned as a vital contributor to organic fertilizer production in the region.