ARU Student-Peninah Akampurira checking moisture content in her Vermicompost Project.

Every year, the world loses 12 million hectares of land due to soil degradation, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Soil depletion affects food production, water retention, and biodiversity, posing a serious threat to global food security. At African Rural University (ARU), students are taking action to change this narrative by using vermicomposting, -a natural method that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil with the help of worms.

Leading the Change- Peninah Akampurira

One of the students making a difference is Peninah Akampurira. Right now, she is actively working on creating and using vermicompost to restore soil health, improve crop production, and generate income by selling it to farmers.

Peninah’s journey started with learning how to set practical goals using the visionary approach, which begins with knowing what you want to create. She envisioned developing a sustainable vermicompost system for farming, then took action with clear deadlines to bring her vision to life.

“This is more than just composting; it is about creating a vision for the future,” says Peninah. “Through the Learn, Work, and Earn model, I was to kickstart my vermicompost project with 1 vermi structure in November 2024. Now I have 4 structures and through this practical model, iam learning every day, gaining skill but also but also contributing to social, economic and environmental nourishment.  In essence, iam contributing to soil health to cause a multiplier effect hence holistic development. This initiative connects education with real-world impact.”

Peninah cross checking the progress of the vermicompost

She expects to earn more than 3 million UGX from her vermicompost with each kilogramme costing 5000 currently in Ugandan market

“As we work on vermicomposting, the surrounding community learns from us. This knowledge is spreading, and more farmers are adopting sustainable practices. It promotes holistic development, where economic, environmental, and social well-being are interconnected.”

At ARU, education extends beyond classrooms, students engage in practical activities that create real impact in their communities.

ARU makes this possible by investing in students like Peninah including soil nourishment as part of education that extends beyond classrooms