🪰 BSF farming Kenya: The Mighty Fly that Feeds Livelihoods
The Waste Trilogy part two - case study #3
This case study is the third of a series of seven, published in conjunction with The Waste Trilogy - Part Two: waste potential.
A quick recap of the methodology for context …
Overall objective: Identify efforts that tap rather than waste potential, using human imagination, creativity, and collective action.
Diagnostic framework: How do these efforts succeed in improving conditions for human thriving via (1) lightening our metabolic load (reduce our metabolic 'waste'), (2) expanding our metabolic capacity (improve our 'waste' management), and (3) reorienting our metabolism (change our 'diet')?
Domains of 'waste': Environmental, economic, social, human.
Now let’s dive in!
Scroll to read and play this song, if you are so inclined, from Vic West, a popular Kenyan music producer …
🪰 The mighty fly that feeds livelihoods
“Every week we invite between five and ten entrepreneurs who will be here for five days. And we take them through the rearing process step by step.” — Faith Nyamu, Research Officer, ICIPE
Kenya, like many developing countries, has faced significant challenges in managing organic waste and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Rapid urbanization and population growth have exacerbated waste disposal issues, leading to environmental degradation and public health concerns. Organic waste, in particular, poses a significant problem, with much of it ending up in landfills where it releases harmful methane gas and contributes to pollution.
At the same time, Kenyan farmers face high costs and limited access to quality animal feed, which impacts productivity and livelihoods. Conventional farming methods often rely on expensive and environmentally damaging synthetic fertilizers, further straining the agricultural sector.
The introduction of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming has emerged as a groundbreaking solution to these intertwined problems. This innovative approach uses BSF larvae to convert organic waste into high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizer. Supported by organizations like the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), DanChurchAid (DCA), and Fair & Sustainable Consulting, BSF farming has gained traction as a viable and sustainable method to manage waste and boost agricultural productivity.
“This BSF reduces the fat quantity in the fish and makes it tasty.” — James Mutemwa, Fish Farmer
BSF farming is particularly empowering for previously disadvantaged groups in society, including women, people with disability and young adults. Through targeted training and support programs, these groups are not only imagining a better future for themselves but are also actively creating it. They are gaining practical skills, financial independence, and the means to contribute to their communities and the broader economy.
Jane Wambui, a young entrepreneur from Nairobi, embodies the potential of BSF farming. Initially skeptical, Jane attended a workshop on BSF farming and decided to start her own farm using organic waste from her neighborhood. Her farm quickly thrived, providing a steady income and enhancing her family's food security. Jane's success story is one of many, highlighting the broader impact of BSF farming across Kenya.
Francis Muiruri transformed his life through BSF farming. Starting with just a few chickens, his farm now generates significant income by selling BSF larvae as animal feed and using the by-products as fertilizer, attracting global visitors and providing a stable income. Similarly, Naomi Waithera has seen substantial improvements in her pig farming operations by incorporating BSF larvae into pig feed, enhancing livestock growth rates and quality, and leading to higher returns on investment.
Winnie, a 23-year-old energy engineer, ventured into BSF farming and now supports herself while promoting sustainable practices. The community-driven nature of BSF farming has strengthened social bonds and fostered a culture of sustainability, enhancing community resilience and economic stability.
The transformation brought about by BSF farming in Kenya has led to significant environmental, economic, and social benefits:
Waste Reduction: Significant reduction in organic waste in landfills, mitigating methane emissions and soil contamination.
Economic Savings: Lower waste management costs and increased revenue from the sale of BSF products boost local economies.
Food Security: Enhanced access to affordable, high-quality animal feed supports livestock farming, improving food security.
Community Engagement: High levels of participation in BSF farming initiatives foster a culture of sustainability and collective responsibility.
Environmental Impact: Reduced environmental pollution and improved soil health contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
Human Well-Being: Improved public health through better waste management practices and enhanced livelihoods through sustainable income sources.
Business Impact: Growth in eco-friendly businesses and new market opportunities foster economic independence and sustainability, particularly benefiting disadvantaged groups such as women and young adults.
To get a more vivid sense of Kenya’s BSF farming story, take a look at this eight minute video from the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
Reshaping Kenya’s farming metabolism
Now let’s deconstruct Kenya’s transformation of wasted food potential into BSF farming. What strategies and actions have helped Kenya reshape its farming metabolism? How have these actions lightened the load, expanded capacity and redirected the metabolism of farming in the country?
Lighten the load
🧑🤝🧑 Human — Effective waste management reduces environmental pollution, enhancing public health and reducing the incidence of waste-related diseases.
🤝 Social — Educational workshops and community engagement initiatives increase awareness about sustainable waste management practices and the benefits of BSF farming.
💰 Economic — Farmers generate additional income from selling BSF larvae and the resultant organic fertilizer, diversifying revenue streams.
🌍 Environmental — BSF larvae consume organic waste, significantly reducing the volume that ends up in landfills and lowering methane emissions.
Expand Capacity
🧑🤝🧑 Human — Training programs and workshops build skills and knowledge, enhancing self-efficacy and providing meaningful employment opportunities.
🤝 Social — Community-based BSF farming projects foster collaboration, skill-sharing, and social cohesion, empowering individuals to take collective action.
💰 Economic — Entrepreneurial training and support programs, such as those by DCA and Fair & Sustainable Consulting, provide business skills, financial management, and technical support, enabling young entrepreneurs and women to establish and run successful BSF farms.
🌍 Environmental — Widespread adoption of BSF farming increases the capacity to manage organic waste efficiently, converting it into valuable products.
Redirect Metabolism
🧑🤝🧑 Human — The hands-on nature of BSF farming and its visible impact on the environment and livelihoods foster a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
🤝 Social — Successful BSF farms become community hubs, promoting sustainable practices and inspiring others to adopt similar initiatives.
💰 Economic — Producing local, affordable, high-quality animal feed reduces import dependency, saving costs and enhancing food security.
🌍 Environmental — Transforming organic waste into high-protein feed and organic fertilizer promotes a circular economy, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and imported feed.
“This is a classical case where we are transforming research findings into policy. This is a good beginning on how research can be transformed into products and then finally into a contribution to GDP for our country.” — Peter Mutua, Manager National Food Standards - KEBS
The rise of Black Soldier Fly farming in Kenya illustrates the profound impact of innovative, sustainable practices on both environmental and socio-economic levels. By transforming organic waste into valuable resources, BSF farming addresses critical waste management issues while providing new economic opportunities. The stories of individuals like Jane Wambui, Francis Muiruri, Naomi Waithera, and Winnie highlight the potential of such initiatives to drive meaningful change and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices. As Kenya continues to embrace BSF farming, it sets a powerful example of how creativity, resilience, and community engagement can lead to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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Sources and links for further reading
Insect rearing takes off amongst Kenyan youth
Aquaculture Food Systems Leadership Case Study - African Food Fellowship
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Black soldier flies seem to be a subject of intense research in many areas ... just look at what Australian scientists are working on in this recent article from The Guardian ...
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/24/australian-scientists-genetically-engineer-common-fly-species-to-eat-more-of-humanitys-waste