Embracing Black Soldier Flies: One farm at a time in Kenya

Converting organic waste into fertilizer and animal protein with Black Soldier Flies (BSF) is one key component of the CGIAR Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative’s RECYCLE work package. This low-cost solution requires minimal labor and land and simultaneously addresses multiple environmental, productivity and financial challenges faced by smallholders. Composting organic waste reduces its environmental impact by converting it into material suitable for fertilizing plants and restoring landscapes. Additionally, BSF larvae are ideal protein sources for livestock. BSF production reduces expenses for farmers who rely on costly chemical fertilizers (which contribute to land degradation) and animal feed. They can sell excess products to increase household income. Because BSF utilization is safe, easy, and can be done at small scales, it has tremendous potential for smallholder farmers across the globe. NATURE+ and partners incentivize the practice through training, which also helps conquer some people’s entomophobia – a fancy word for fear of flies.

Photos and story by Rachel Kibui for NATURE+ with special thanks to Drs. Solomie Gebrezgabher and Noah Adamtey at the International Water Management Institute

As farmers across Kenya contend with rising livestock feed and fertilizer costs amid challenging economic conditions, over 50 farmers from Kisumu County learned about a viable alternative during a one-week intensive workshop on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production. The training demonstrated how using nature-based solutions can decrease costs for smallholders, support sustainable agriculture, enhance productivity and restore degraded ecosystems. The session was based on a training manual on BSF farming for feed and biofertilizers developed by the International Water Management Institute IWMI and the CGIAR Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative.

The Black Soldier Fly, or Hermetia illucens, is an insect prized for its larvae, which is rich in protein and is an ideal feed source for poultry, fish and pigs. The larvae thrive on organic waste, converting it into nutrient-dense fertilizer, or frass, a natural soil enhancer that provides a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers and improves soil health.

BSF: a sustainable nature-positive solution

BSF farming offers multiple environmental benefits, making it an innovative solution to several pressing agricultural challenges. Beyond producing high-quality livestock feed, BSF farming provides organic fertilizer and supports efficient waste management, turning organic waste into resources that fuel a circular economy. Dr. Noah Adamtey, a Senior Researcher and Resource Recovery Expert at IWMI, described BSF as “environment engineers” whose benefits extend across food, nutrition, and even the pharmaceutical industry.

“With many farmers facing soil erosion and low production due to the overuse of synthetic fertilizers, BSF offers a sustainable solution that supports both the environment and food systems” said Dr. Adamtey. He emphasized the importance of waste recycling in BSF farming for creating resilient, sustainable food production systems.

Overcoming barriers and demystifying Black Soldier Fly farming

The training program in Kisumu not only educated farmers on BSF farming techniques but also helped shift their perspectives. Initially, many farmers held misconceptions about BSF, associating the insect with dirt or disease. During the training workshop, 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 said. After completing the training, she showed enthusiasm about keeping BSF on her farm and introducing other farmers to its benefits.

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

Empowering women and youth through BSF farming

BSF farming is 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.”

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, Director at Protein Masters and the workshop’s lead trainer.

Using BSF frass as an organic fertilizer contributes to the fight against land degradation and 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 50-60%,” said Kimanthi.

With BSF, farmers can repurpose organic waste, which alleviates waste management challenges and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with rotting organic waste and 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.

Supporting nature-positive agri-food Systems

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 and other CGIAR centers and 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.