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Sifelani Tsiko
Innovations Editor
The death of renowned earthworm farming specialist, founder and head of Zim Earthworm Farms (ZEF) Dr Ephrem Enard Whingwiri, at the age of 74 has robbed the country of a man who understood why earthworms should be at the heart of organic farming and earth-friendly food systems.
Dr Whingwiri, who was a leading figure in revolutionising waste management and agriculture in the country through innovative earthworm farming techniques died on September 20 at a city hospital.
He died after a short illness.
For many people thousands of earthworms wriggling in a field could be a disgusting sight.
But this was not so for Dr Whingwiri. Worms may not be cute, but for him the squirming little creatures were potentially good business.
As a farming innovator, he ventured into earthworm farming, raising and selling a variety of earthworm species whose by – products such as vermicompost fertiliser are all earth – friendly substances good for the soil.
For Dr Whingwiri, earthworm farming was about understanding soils, understanding the importance of worms and how these diligent creatures could turn waste into wealth and enrich the soils.
He was a respected researcher and prolific innovator. He was a pioneer in revolutionising Zimbabwe’s waste management and agriculture through innovative earthworm technology.
The earthworm specialist promoted earthworm technology as a solution to food insecurity and climate change, believing that earthworms would play a crucial role in the next green revolution.
By decomposing organic waste into vermicompost, he advocated for healthier food production.
His ground-breaking work led to several patented technologies that remain vital to renewable energy, water conservation, and solid waste management solutions.
Dr Whingwiri held more than nine patents for numerous inventions, including the Jati Bio-wastewater Management System, the Jati Composter (a home bio-fertiliser factory), Zim Earthworm Farms’ Nut-rich Vermi Compost (a basal fertiliser) and Earthworm Poop Tea (for seed germination and root invigoration).
His innovations also included Vermifolia (organic top-dressing fertiliser and insect repellent), organic snake repellent, septic tank cleaner, and garbage smell killer.
Dr Whingwiri’s commitment to education and mentorship was admired by colleagues and students alike, many of whom he guided during their attachments.
He was deeply passionate about soil health and agricultural productivity.
“He envisioned a Zimbabwe where farms were highly productive, and the population led healthy, sustainable lives. His work touched communities in every province of Zimbabwe, and his expertise in bio-wastewater management and the Jati Composter also benefited individuals across Africa, including in Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and Nigeria,” the family said.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr Whingwiri was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and friend, as well as a compassionate mentor.
“He had an exceptional ability to connect with people, offering guidance and support to all who sought his wisdom. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he impacted.”
His colleagues hailed him as a dedicated researcher, innovator and tireless earthworm farming champion.
“An accomplished agronomist with enthusiasm to restore degraded soils and the environment. Will miss you,” said Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, chief director of Research and Specialist Services, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Said Zimbabwe Organic Producers and Promoters Association (ZOPPA) executive director Fortunate Nyakanda: “Dr Ephraim Whingwiri was a dedicated researcher and passionate innovator whose contribution to the organic fraternity will be missed in Zimbabwe and beyond.
“I personally enjoyed working with him in the development of the Zimbabwe organic sector. Our last assignment together was contributing to the body of research on production and marketing of organic and biofertilisers in Africa, where his own Zim Earth Worm farms was one of the case studies.
“His readiness to share and collaborate will be greatly missed. Go well, our champion.”
Renowned plant breeder Dr Joseph Nyika Mushonga hailed Dr Whingwiri for his professionalism and love for sustainable agricultural practices.
“Dr Whingwiri will be deeply missed. His legacy in both his professional achievements and personal connections will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Farayi Guti, a project developer, said Dr Whingwiri was passionate about organic farming and promoting farming techniques that were environmentally friendly.
“A very humble man with an open door policy. I remember on one of my many visits to his humble office, he openly admitted that throughout his academic career, he was wrong about chemical fertilizers and went on to say Nutrich vermicompost product range is a game changer that’ll regenerate and enrich our soils for future generations to come,” he said.
“We can only continue his legacy and celebrate his life by fully supporting the work he embarked on after launching ZEF.”
Dr Whingwiri was born on January 25, 1950 in Masvingo province.
He did his secondary education at Gokomere Secondary School and after he passed his A levels, he enrolled for Bsc degree plant biology at the University of Rhodesia.
His studies were interrupted between 1971 and 1974 after he was jailed by the colonial regime for political activism.
He later earned an MPhil in Plant Physiology at the University of Rhodesia (1975–1977) and proceeded to earn his DPhil in Agronomy at the University of Western Australia (1977–1982).
Dr Whingwiri worked as head of Agronomy Institute, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement, where in 1986 he was a recipient of a year – long Kellogg International Fellowship programme in food systems.
He also served as director at the Department of Research & Specialist Services (DR&SS).
Dr Whingwiri worked with the Kellogg Foundation in both Zimbabwe and South Africa supporting smallholder farmers.
He was a highly regarded agricultural consultant across Southern Africa.
He is survived by nine children and six grandchildren.
Dr Whingwiri will be buried at his rural home in Chikwanda Village, Gutu, on October 5.
Online Reporter