Beyond soil health: Exploring societal transformations through vermicomposting in climate-vulnerable Bangladesh

In climate-vulnerable regions of Bangladesh, smallholder farmers face escalating threats from salinity intrusion and drought. This study evaluates the societal impacts of an intervention that promoted household vermicomposting adoption through training and resource provision. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating six years (2017–2022) of longitudinal data from 240 households across 12 climate-vulnerable villages (8 drought-prone and 4 salinisation-affected) in Bangladesh. Quantitative data on production and income were analyzed statistically, while 12 focus group discussions and 16 key informant interviews provided qualitative insights into socio-economic impacts and shifting values. Household vermicomposting significantly enhanced economic resilience, social capital, and ecological awareness in climate-vulnerable regions of Bangladesh from 2017 to 2022. Annual income increased 8.1-fold across all households, with drought-prone and salinity-affected regions achieving 8-fold and 8.3-fold growth, respectively. Beyond economic gains, the intervention fostered robust social networks: 85% of households engaged in knowledge-sharing, 78% expanded their market connections, and 12 informal cooperatives emerged. A profound shift in farmers' values occurred, with prioritization of "soil health" and "food safety" rising from 15% to 59%, while chemical fertilizer use decreased by 64%. Qualitative data revealed strong community-driven demand for safe food, reflecting a transition from chemical dependence to agroecological practices.