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.

Dr. Noah Adamtey, Senior Researcher and Resource Recovery Expert at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), described BSF as “environment engineers” whose benefits extend across food, nutrition, and even the pharmaceutical industry.

“With many farmers struggling due to low production linked to overuse of synthetic fertilizers, BSF offers a sustainable solution that supports both the environment and food systems,” said Dr. Adamtey, adding that the farmers’ training is based on a manual developed by experts from IWMI. He emphasized the importance of waste recycling in BSF farming as a step toward creating resilient, sustainable food production systems. 

Farmers follow practical training

The training program in Kisumu has not only educated farmers on BSF farming techniques but has also helped shift their perspectives. Initially, many farmers held misconceptions about BSF, associating the insect with dirt or disease. Through the training, these misconceptions were addressed, and farmers began to appreciate BSF as a valuable ally in sustainable farming. Phoebe Adhiambo, a farmer from Agoro East, was initially hesitant about handling BSF larvae. “I used to fear both the flies and the larvae; I couldn’t even touch them,” she shared. After completing the training, she is enthusiastic about keeping BSF on her farm and plans to introduce other farmers to its benefits.

Similarly, Irene Anyango, a young farmer, admitted she initially associated flies with poor hygiene. However, she discovered that BSF is a clean and beneficial insect. “BSF is a ‘lovely’ fly,” she said, adding, “It has so many benefits, and I’m eager to start production, especially because I am passionate about environmentally sustainable agriculture.”

BSF farming presents an accessible and affordable opportunity, particularly for women and young people who often have limited access to land and capital. It can be done on a small scale, making it suitable for populations with limited space and budget constraints. Titus Odhiambo, a 23-year-old farmer, found BSF farming appealing due to its small space requirements. “My father’s farm is small, so I can only use a tiny area for poultry farming,” he said. “With BSF, I can use the frass as an additional source of income while supporting environmental sustainability.” 

a view of Black Soldier Flies

When added to soil, BSF frass increases organic matter, enhances water retention, and fosters the growth of beneficial soil organisms, creating a healthier soil ecosystem. “Farmers who incorporate BSF frass into their fields often see higher yields and more resilient crops, especially in areas facing climate-related stressors like erratic rainfall,” said Fredrick Kimathi, the Director at Protein Masters who doubled as the lead trainer.

The use of BSF frass as an organic fertilizer contributes to the fight against climate change by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can disrupt soil biodiversity and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. “Every farmer whether rearing livestock or cultivating crops, should have a BSF unit as this cuts production costs by between 50 percent – 60 percent,” noted Kimathi

With BSF, farmers can repurpose organic waste, which helps alleviate waste management challenges and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock feed production. BSF larvae consume large quantities of organic matter, breaking it down into nutrient-rich biomass. This process not only produces high-quality feed but also helps reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, where it would otherwise release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

The training is part of the CGIAR Initiative on Nature Positive Solutions (Nature +). NATURE+’s work in Kenya is implemented by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in partnership with IWMI, ICARDA among other partners. The Initiative aims to re-imagine, co-create, and implement nature-positive solutions-based agri-food systems that equitably support food and livelihoods, while ensuring that agriculture is a net positive contributor to nature.