Waste to wealth: How black soldier flies are transforming livestock farming in Nyeri

From waste to wealth: How black soldier flies are transforming livestock farming in Nyeri Tell us briefly about yourself and the BSF Training Programme. I'm the team leader at Flourish Farm Ventures in Karatina, Nyeri County. We run a Black Soldier Fly (BSF) unit that enables us to rear larvae, which we use as high-protein feed for our pigs and fish. We also supply larvae to farmers who are just getting started. Our training programme equips participants with practical skills to launch and sustain their own BSF farms. Since launching in 2024, we've made remarkable progress, though not without challenges. What drew your interest in BSF farming, and how did you acquire the relevant skills and knowledge? We wanted to pursue a unique agribusiness idea that wasn't saturated in our community-something sustainable, profitable, and impactful. The rising cost of animal feed made BSF farming an appealing option. To gain the requisite knowledge, we visited a BSF farm in Othaya, where we received practical training and a starter kit. Since then, we've supplemented that with online courses and continuous learning to improve our systems. What does the training entail, and what are the costs involved? Our training is comprehensive. It covers: BSF farm structure, benefits of rearing BSF, BSF life cycle, management practices of BSF farm, BSF breeding, economic potential of BSF farming. The training costs Sh1,000 per person.The training costs Sh1,000 per person, which includes demonstrations, learning materials, and continued support even after the course. Who do you target for the training, and how do you reach them? We mainly target aspiring agripreneurs, especially youth and organised farmer groups. These are people looking for sustainable agribusiness ideas with low entry barriers. We use online platforms-Facebook, Twitter, YouTube-and word-of-mouth referrals to reach potential clients. Most of the training happens on our farm, but we also conduct virtual sessions to accommodate those from distant locations. How much do you earn in a good month, excluding operational costs? On a good month, we generate over Sh20,000 in revenue-this is without factoring in the value of the feed we produce for our own livestock. The venture is profitable, and we're seeing increasing demand for both the larvae and the training. Why is training important for those interested in BSF farming? Knowledge is power. Starting out without guidance can lead to unnecessary losses. With proper mentorship, new farmers can avoid common mistakes and fast-track their success. Learning from someone with practical experience makes the process easier, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable. What major challenges are you facing, and how are you addressing them? Our biggest hurdle is labour inconsistency-finding reliable and skilled workers is not easy. Secondly, limited capital has constrained our expansion. For instance, we urgently need a machine to defat the BSF larvae, making them suitable for feeding dairy cows and goats. The machine is quite expensive, and without external support, it remains out of reach. Beyond livestock feed and fertiliser, what other value can be derived from BSF farming? There's huge potential in the BSF value chain. One can venture into selling BSF farm materials like love cages and greenhouse polythene. Dead flies are an excellent source of calcium for poultry. Additionally, the organic waste we use to feed the larvae can be transformed into high-quality compost. BSF farming is a powerful model of circular agriculture-nothing goes to waste. How would you like stakeholders to support BSF farmers like yourself? We need support in acquiring key machinery, such as BSF larvae defatters, which would help us create more efficient livestock feeds. Support in expanding infrastructure would allow us to process more organic waste, create jobs, and supply cheaper, sustainable feeds. We also welcome partnerships with NGOs, government, or private investors who believe in green innovation and food security. Your parting shot? Ukulima sio ushamba. BSF farming is not only a game-changer in agriculture-it's a livelihood multiplier. For Kenyan youth and farmers looking for a sustainable income source, this is a goldmine in disguise. With the right mindset and support, we can turn insects into income and waste into opportunity.

Waste to wealth: How black soldier flies are transforming livestock farming in Nyeri

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