COVID-19 (2022 Deadline)
Scaling cost-effective, safe, and quality black soldier fly insect larvae enterprise for COVID-19 livelihood resilience in Uganda
PI: Deborah Ruth Amulen (amulendeborah@gmail.com), Makerere University
U.S. Partner: Jennifer Pechal, Michigan State University
Project Dates: November, 2022 - April, 2024
Project Overview:
 | | Black Soldier Fly. Photo courtesy Lina Stankute-Alexander, Uganda |  | | The team demonstrates larvae processing. Photo courtesy Lina Stankute-Alexander |  |
The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly sources of insect protein for animal production. Researchers have demonstrated that BSFL is highly nutritious, making it a potential replacement for more expensive animal-protein feed ingredients. In Uganda, BSFL farming is growing rapidly amidst a myriad of challenges. The Centre for Insect Research and Development (CIRD) has since 2019 been piloting small-scale commercial BSFL farming under the leadership of the principal investigator on this project, Dr. Amulen. The major milestones achieved by CIRD in the pilot phase includes setting up a small-scale BSFL unit producing one ton of BSFL weekly, supporting establishment of 100 BSF farming business, establishing market channels for both BSF equipment and breeding seeds such as eggs and pupae, and creating demand for dry BSFL among poultry and pig farmers.
The global disruption of animal feed production and the high cost of animal proteins has increased the demand for BSFL, making it a potential enterprise that can be adopted by youth and women in peri-urban areas. However, as Dr. Amulen and her team successfully set up the CIRD BSFL farm, a number of scientific questions were asked by their farmer clients. These include questions about the nutritional content of the BSFL produced, the mixing ratio for BSFL with other feed ingredients, the growth rate or performance of chickens fed on BSFL-based poultry feed, and the safety and quality of BSFL produced for chicken and consumers. Some farmers who have had positive results using BSFL-based feed enrolled for the team’s training program for BSFL farming so that they could set up their own BSFL unit for consistent supply of the larvae. These farmers often got stuck after the training because of the lack of a designated market or supply system for BSFL farming equipment or inputs. Meanwhile, the youths and women who opted to start BSF farming as an alternative source of income after their usual employment was disrupted due to the COVID-19 lockdown also had problems because of either lack of BSF-rearing inputs or the high cost of those that are inconsistently available. The above technical questions have compelled Makerere University in partnership with Michigan State University to design this PEER project to address the scientific questions while supporting more than 100 youths and women BSFL farmers to profitably earn money from BSFL as a COVID-19 resilience strategy in Uganda.
In this project, the BSF value chain actors will be coordinated by the private sector (the Center for Insect Research and Development, CIRD) and regulated by the Department of Entomology, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal industry, and Fisheries. Overall, the key development outputs of this project are expected to be 100 youth- and women-led BSF farming businesses created, a national multistakholder platform for actors along the BSF farming value chain created, and a one-stop knowledge center for commercial BSF farming created, with the center facilitating equipment supply, safety, and capacity building for quality assessment of BSF.
June - October 2023 Project Update Conducted Cost-Benefit Analysis: The team successfully completed a cost-benefit analysis for the small-scale black soldier fly farming model. Currently, team members are finalizing the draft manuscript. Initiated Field Survey Data Collection: Data collection commenced in the designated districts, serving as a foundation for our research. Procured Student Reagents: The team procured the necessary reagents for laboratory analyses, facilitating scientific investigations. Received Procurement Inputs: Essential procurement inputs for repairing the atomic absorption mass spectrophotometer were obtained, ensuring its continued functionality. Engaged with MAAIF Uganda: The team established a constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) Uganda, exploring ways to enhance extension services for black soldier fly (BSF) farmers nationwide. Hosted Distinguished Visitors: The project team hosted visitors from ICIPE and the Rockefeller Foundation Africa Food Initiative Office. During their visit, discussions centered around potential collaborations and strategies for implementing some of the research outcomes generated by the team. Potential development impact: Through this PEER project, so far, significant visibility has been generated. CIRD has garnered attention from various development organizations. FAO, Woord en DAAD, ICIPE, and the Rockefeller Foundation have expressed their interest in discussions regarding the development of the black soldier fly (BSF) value chain in Uganda. Furthermore, the project team is actively working on drafting a policy brief based on the field data collected. This brief will be shared with the Ministry and Commissioner of Entomology, creating an avenue for informed policy decisions. CIRD, as a project partner, is playing a pivotal role in establishing a national association for BSF stakeholders in Uganda, thus fostering collaboration and cooperation among industry players. According to the project PI. Dr Amulen, the training initiatives offered by the project have already inspired approximately 30% of the participants to venture into BSF farming. However, some individuals have faced constraints due to limited starting capital. CIRD is currently engaged in developing a partnership with three city councils in Northern and Eastern Uganda, specifically in Gulu, Lira, and Soroti. The aim is to create an organic waste recycling plan that utilizes BSF, thereby generating employment opportunities for youth and women in these cities who are at risk of losing their jobs. Additionally, the project team is actively seeking further support, including grants from organizations like DIV, and has submitted an annual program statement to the Feed the Future Uganda office, eagerly awaiting feedback. These endeavors reflect the potential for long-lasting and impactful development outcomes stemming from this project.  |  | | USAID and NAS visit trash collection sites. | |
 | ] | | USAID environmental officer's visits the team in Uganda, February 2023 | USAID and NAS representatives visit the project in May 2023
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