Monday, November 5, 2007
31-8

Impact of the Vermiculture Program on Domestic Environment and Informal Undergraduate Education.

Graciela M. L. Ruiz-Aguilar1, Sergio J. Alejo-Lopez1, and Luis F. Ramirez-Santoyo2. (1) Unidad de Estudios Superiores de Salvatierra, Universidad de Guanajuato, Privada de Arteaga s/n, Centro, Salvatierra, Gto., 38900, Mexico, (2) Instituto de Investigaciones Cientificas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Km. 9 Carretera Irapuato-Silao, Irapuato, 36500, Mexico

Family is the social institution where feeds and educates the children. Nevertheless its dynamics is more separated from nature and field. There is less space and time at homes for food production and wisdom of the world of agriculture. Present investigation is a second part from "Using Vermiculture to Improve Agricultural-Industrial Engineer Student Informal Education" abstract. In this part are described practices on domestic vermiculture for housewives, to contribute in agricultural-industrial engineers' formation. Study was made considering two aspects: relationship between professor-student and association student-housewife to produce earthworms (Eisenia foetida) and compost. A group of 20 housewives from average social level with families integrated with five people was considered for the project. Three talks about vermiculture were given to families by using didactic materials. To obtain solid and liquid humus from worms, plastic containers were used. Results showed education between student-housewives is productive and educative. Vermiculture contributed in: formation of undergraduate students in a human and informal way; and improvement of plants, flowers and vegetables at residences. In addition, it was found that families involve in the project, dedicate more time to familiar coexistence and start to enjoy an urban and domestic agriculture with economic materials or recycling materials, thanks to the vermiculture. Nowadays agricultural-industrial engineering students as professionals, develop their creativity and autonomy outside of traditional educative space. Vermiculture activity promoted socialization knowledge and attitudes from a real perspective, and helped to describe how homes are at urban zones.