Vermicompost integration in smallholder farming: Evaluating household practices and stakeholder involvement in diverse agricultural contexts of Bangladesh

• Vermicompost (VC) production significantly increased in the drought-prone region. • VC production increased 4-fold in Fulbari and 6.5-fold in East Lebutala over 6 years. • VC field application varied significantly across villages in the drought-prone region. • Increasing hot days and scarcity of raw materials are key constraints in VC production. • Community awareness of VC production and application enhanced in both regions. • FGD and KII respondents reported positive influences of VC on safe food production. The global agriculture sector faces numerous challenges, including environmental degradation from unsustainable practices and the impact of climate-induced shocks on food security. Using six years (2017–2022) of qualitative and quantitative observations from 8 villages in drought-prone and 4 villages in salinisation-affected regions of Bangladesh, this study evaluated (i) the production and utilization of vermicompost by smallholder farmers, and (ii) the challenges and opportunities for sustainable agriculture using vermicompost. Results show a significant increase in vermicompost production among households in the drought-prone region ( p < 0.05) over 6 years. For example, household vermicompost production in Fulbari (East Lebutala) village in the drought-prone region increased from 1.43(1.26) ton/household in 2017 to 5.77(8.29) ton/household in 2022. While households in the salinisation-affected region showed no significant changes in production, with yields ranging from 1.03(1.15) ton/household in 2017 to 1.14(1.29) ton/household in 2022 in South Kamarkhola (Jaynagar) village. In both regions, households faced multiple challenges in vermicompost production and field application, including environmental factors (hot days), raw material unavailability, pest attacks, and declining soil fertility due to salinisation. Given the reported challenges, including the increasing intensity of droughts and the scarcity of raw materials, this study highlights the critical need to address environmental conditions and strengthen farmer support systems to enhance the effectiveness of vermicompost production, thereby contributing to agricultural sustainability and improved food security across different environmental settings. The study offers important insights for policymakers and implementing organizations for creating focused interventions that assist smallholder farmers in areas affected by salinisation and drought.