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3. METHODOLOGY AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The PowerWORMS Project, designed to enhance vermicomposting techniques and knowledge,
plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture by facilitating a network among
researchers, academicians, public organization representatives, marketing experts, consumers,
and local producers. This initiative provides a platform for sharing insights and discussing ways
to innovate and improve vermicomposting production processes.

Central to the project is the Educational Requirements Analysis (ERA), which is part of the
PowerWORMS result IO2- WP02. The ERA seeks to understand the contribution of
vermicomposting to agricultural productivity, especially in rural settings, by assessing the
current state of bio-composting and vermicomposting of various waste types in the agricultural
sector and education systems of the participating countries.
To achieve its objectives, the project conducted a descriptive survey research to explore the
level of knowledge and perceptions about vermicomposting among farmers, vocational
education and training (VET) schools, universities, and agricultural centers. The research
comprised three key sub-activities: a survey on the current educational curriculum related to
vermicomposting at VET and university levels, a survey on VET professionals and farmers to
gauge their real-world knowledge needs, and a comparison between the existing knowledge
pool and the actual educational requirements.

Coordinated by the Foundation Agro-Centre for Education (FACE), the project engaged
multiple partners from Türkiye, North Macedonia, Greece, Spain, and the Netherlands, each
taking part in the implementation of the survey activities. To collect the necessary data, the
project employed a mix of questionnaires, checklists, live interviews, and study visits, ensuring
a pilot evaluation of these tools before their deployment. The research was meticulously
planned to ensure consistent data collection across all partner countries for subsequent
comparison.

Each country was responsible for conducting surveys on the educational curriculum in
vermicomposting and assessing the knowledge needs of VET professionals and farmers. The
minimum number of survey respondents was determined by country: Türkiye had 45
respondents, North Macedonia 15, Greece 30, Spain 15, and the Netherlands 15.

The questionnaires were comprehensive, covering demographics, familiarity with
vermicomposting, involvement in educational curricula, challenges in agriculture, and
awareness of national policies promoting vermicomposting. They also delved into respondents'
personal experiences with vermicomposting, educational materials used, and perceived barriers
to teaching and implementing vermicomposting practices.

After the data collection phase, which spanned from August to November 2022, each partner
summarized their findings in national reports. These reports were then submitted to FACE for
the creation of the combined PowerWORMS Educational Requirements Analysis (ERA),
which would inform future educational strategies and support the broader goals of the project
in advancing regenerative agriculture practices.

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