Supply, Installation and Training for Vermicomposting Units

**1.0 INTRODUCTION**

Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa is an international civil society organization working to transform markets and make supply chains more sustainable and inclusive. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, implements programmes across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Solidaridad works with farmers, private sector actors, governments, and development partners to promote sustainable agricultural systems, climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, and inclusive economic development.

Solidaridad is currently implementing the Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project, which aims to improve resilience, yields, income and service access for small-scale food producers with a focus on women and youth by helping them adopt climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and strengthening market connections, emphasizing gender and social inclusion.

Under this project, Solidaridad seeks to procure the supply, installation, and establishment of vermicomposting units across selected sites in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties.

**2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND**

The Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project seeks to strengthen resilience and improve food production systems among smallholder farmers in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The project promotes climate-smart agriculture, soil health improvement, sustainable land management, and regenerative farming practices that contribute to improved productivity and environmental sustainability.

To support sustainable soil fertility management and organic farming practices, Solidaridad intends to establish vermicomposting units at selected demonstration and farmer sites. The intervention aims to strengthen farmer knowledge and practical application of organic soil improvement technologies and regenerative agriculture practices.

**3.0 ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVE**

3.1 Overall Objective

The overall objective of this assignment is to supply, install, and support the establishment of twelve (12) vermicomposting units across Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties, including provision of practical training to beneficiaries.

3.2 Specific Objectives

The assignment specifically seeks to:

i. Promote sustainable soil fertility management through vermicomposting technologies.
ii. Improve farmer knowledge on regenerative agriculture and organic compost production.
iii. Enhance adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
iv. Strengthen resilience of farming systems through improved soil health management.
v. Build farmer capacity on compost production, handling, harvesting, and utilization.

**4.0 SCOPE OF WORK**

The successful consultant/firm shall undertake the following tasks:

4.1 Supply and Installation of Vermicomposting Units

Supply, deliver, and install twelve (12) vermicomposting units of approximately 1.2m³ capacity distributed across the three project counties. The installation sites will be identified by the Solidaridad team.

Each vermicomposting unit shall include:

i. Vermicomposting structure/unit with a capacity of approximately 1.2m³.
ii. Starter earthworms suitable for tropical vermicomposting systems.
iii. Bedding materials appropriate for compost establishment.
iv. Moisture management tools and accessories.
v. Basic handling and operational equipment.
vi. Proper drainage and aeration system.
vii. Installation and setup at designated beneficiary sites.
viii. Demonstration and practical training during installation.

The supplier shall ensure:

- The units are durable and suitable for local climatic conditions.
- Earthworms supplied are healthy and viable.
- The structures have adequate drainage and moisture retention.
- Materials used are safe, durable, and environmentally appropriate.

4.2 Training and Capacity Building

The consultant/firm shall provide practical training to beneficiaries covering:

Vermicomposting Training

- Principles and benefits of vermicomposting;
- Preparation and maintenance of vermicomposting units;
- Feedstock selection and compost management;
- Moisture and temperature management;
- Earthworm handling and care;
- Harvesting and application of vermicompost;
- Soil health and regenerative agriculture practices;
- Safe handling and operational maintenance.

Training attendance lists, materials, photographs, and reports shall be submitted as part of assignment documentation.

**5.0 DISTRIBUTION OF VERMICOMPOSTING UNITS**

The vermicomposting units shall be distributed as follows:

County

Number of Units

Makueni County

4

Taita Taveta County

4

Kwale County

4

Total

12

Specific beneficiary locations and GPS coordinates shall be provided by Solidaridad upon contract award.

**6.0 DELIVERABLES**

The consultant/firm shall deliver the following:

i. Inception report and implementation work plan.
ii. Site assessment report for all installation locations.