Flies are regarded a nuisance in households, in fact they are among pests controlled by insecticides. But not the black soldier fly BSF which is gaining popularity in Africa.
There are 2300 BSF enterprises in Africa according to statistics posted by the international centre of insect physiology ICIPE on its website.
The research body ICIPE shows that BSF farming is a sustainable solution for animal feed, fertiliser and environmental conservation.
Their studies have proven that the fly contributes to reduction in green house gas emission GHG as it feeds on biodegradable organic waste, cleaning the environment.
Kenneth Ngatia is a young farmer in Nyeri County and he is among several households in the area who are embracing this farming. He is integrating it with Azolla cultivation, a weed found in ponds.
The flies feed on organic waste mainly from the animals which generally would pose an environmental hazard if left in landfills
Kenneth Ngatia-Young Farmer
Ngatia says he has raked in good profits over the last 12 months of farming. He says it takes a 7 day cycle for the BSF to develop which happens in 4 stages starting from eggs to larvae, pupa and finally to adult. But it is the larvae stage that is more profitable and which is sold as animal feed.
A kilogram of the larvae fetches him KSh 2000 at the market price. It is said to be highly nutritious in protein, potassium ,fats, calcium and magnesium which is good for egg production.
They also produce organic frass fertiliser which enhances soil fertility and promotes plant growth, boosting yields.
Studies by ICIPE show a growing acceptance among consumers for products like eggs and meat produced using insect based feeds.
It also shows that insect based enterprises can be undertaken with minimal inputs and do not require extensive agricultural resources.
Ngatia has integrated the BSF farming with Azolla farming which is a weed found in ponds.
The azolla seeds multiply depending on the size of the pond. He harvests them after between 10 – 14 days and sells as animal feed which is a good source of vitamins for goats, chicken and fish.
Harnessing these organisms is not only beneficial to the pocket, but also helps clean up the environment
Kenneth Farmer Nyeri County
The Azolla also provides habitat for small organisms and an effective carbon sink. Studies show that the plant is able to capture 21,266kg of carbon dioxide per year.
These kind of enterprises are picking up in parts of Kenya in the face of rising food insecurity, prohibitive costs of conventional animal feeds and poor waste management.
ICIPE is broadening its research to harness the potential of these innovative farming methods in the transformation of the prevailing food systems into a more sustainable and vibrant circular economy.
Although the black soldier fly may be a symptom of unsanitary situation, it surely is mitigating the ecological footprint in Nyeri.