Sustainable agriculture using Black Soldier Fly - training

Farmers admire BSF larvae during the training

As farmers across Kenya contend with rising livestock feed costs amid challenging economic conditions, over 50 farmers from Kisumu County have found hope in a one-week intensive training on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production, with another batch set to be trained later. This training offered practical solutions to combat the high cost of feed, support sustainable agriculture, and enhance productivity.

BSF, scientifically known as Hermetia illucens, is an insect prized for its larvae, which is rich in protein and an ideal feed source for livestock, including poultry, fish, and pigs. These larvae thrive on organic waste, converting it into nutrient-dense feed and producing a secondary byproduct known as frass. A type of organic fertilizer, frass is a natural soil enhancer that provides a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, which have contributed to soil degradation and reduced agricultural productivity over time.