BSFF: Organic fertilizer for soil improvement

Low cost fertilizer for healthy and profitable agriculture for African farmers.

Frass is a compost derived from black soldier fly (BSFL) larvae treatment of biodegradable wastes. In a commercial context, BSFF often refers to a mixture of primarily BSFL faeces, substrate residues, shed BSFL exoskeletons, and a microbial population that carries out fermentation. One of the primary reasons for the high value placed on BSF frass is its nutrient-rich composition. Packed with essential soluble nutrients like nitrogen (1.7 to 1.9%), phosphorus (from 1.0 to 2.5%), potassium, and micronutrients. Organic matter content (C/N ratio) of BSFL frass derived from different types of food may range from 8:1 to 27:1.

This technology is pre-validated.

8•7

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 8/9; level of use 7/9

Cost: $$$ 3 USD

Per 50kg bag

Problem

Lack of efficient and cost-effective solutions for organic waste management in Africa contributes to increasing environmental and health challenges.
A significant portion of biodegradable waste (37% in landfills, 33% in open dumps) poses severe environmental risks, such as soil and water contamination.
Soil erosion in Sub-Saharan Africa is a major factor leading to stagnant or declining agricultural productivity.
Nutrient imbalances in smallholder farms, where more nutrients are removed than replenished, further degrade soil fertility.

Solution

Efficient Organic Waste Management: BSFF technology provides a sustainable and cost-effective method for managing organic waste by converting biodegradable materials into nutrient-rich compost, reducing reliance on landfills and open dumps.
Reducing Environmental Contamination: By processing organic waste, BSFF technology mitigates the risk of soil and water contamination from improper waste disposal, contributing to a healthier environment.
Soil Fertility Improvement: The frass produced by BSFF technology is rich in essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), which helps restore soil fertility and address nutrient imbalances in smallholder farms.
Combatting Soil Erosion: The application of BSFF frass improves soil structure and organic matter content, enhancing its capacity to resist erosion and support sustainable agricultural productivity.

Key points to design your business plan

For Manufacturers

Manufacturing BSFF technology provides a sustainable and innovative solution for organic waste management and soil fertility enhancement. This technology positioning manufacturers as leaders in eco-friendly agricultural practices.

To succeed in this market,

Manufacturers should Identify efficient logistics for sourcing biodegradable waste and ensure proper facilities for processing the organic material into BSFF. This is crucial for maintaining the quality and nutrient content of the final product.
The target market includes fertilizer distributors, agricultural cooperatives, development agencies, and government organizations focused on sustainable agriculture.

For Resellers

Reselling BSFF technology offers a unique opportunity to provide a valuable product that enhances soil health and boosts crop yields.

To thrive in this sector,

Resellers should focus on establishing efficient distribution channels and storage solutions for the BSFF product, particularly since it requires careful handling to maintain its nutrient-rich composition.
The potential customer base encompasses local farmers, agricultural retailers, NGOs, and agricultural extension services.

For Users

BSFF technology empowers users by providing an effective organic fertilizer that improves soil fertility and enhances crop productivity.

To maximize benefits,

Users should engage with local resellers and consider the application rates based on soil analysis and specific crop needs.
Utilizing BSFF can significantly improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting environmental sustainability.

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

The technology creates job opportunities and encourages youth to innovate in sustainable agricultural practices and waste management.

The poor: Positive high

Low-cost organic fertilizer improves farm profitability and promotes sustainable farming practices, contributing to food security.

Under 18: Positive medium

Reducing organic waste contributes to a healthier environment and promotes well-being.

Women: Positive medium

Access to affordable organic fertilizer enhances crop yields and income while empowering women in agricultural decision-making.

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

BSFF technology enhances soil health and resilience, contributing to improved agricultural adaptability in the face of climate change.

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

BSFF technology enhances farmers’ ability to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity

The integration of organic fertilizers supports diverse microbial life in the soil, promoting overall biodiversity within agricultural systems.

Carbon footprint: A bit less carbon released

It contributes to lower carbon emissions through reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers and improved waste management practices.

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

The technology minimizes waste accumulation and pollution, leading to healthier ecosystems and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Soil quality: Improves soil health and fertility

BSFF fertilizer enriches soil with essential nutrients and organic matter, improving soil structure and fertility over time.

Water use: Much less water used

The use of organic fertilizer from BSFF reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can lead to better water quality and reduced runoff.

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested

Countries where the technology has been tested and adopted
Country	Tested	Adopted
Benin	Tested	Adopted
Cameroon	Tested	–Not adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Tested	–Not adopted
Ghana	Tested	Adopted
Kenya	Tested	–Not adopted
Mali	Tested	–Not adopted
Niger	Tested	–Not adopted
Nigeria	Tested	–Not adopted
Togo	Tested	–Not adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 2: zero hunger

It enhances soil fertility and crop yields, contributing to food security and improved nutrition.

Goal 3: good health and well-being

By reducing chemical fertilizer use, BSFF technology promotes healthier food production and lessens environmental toxins.

Goal 12: responsible production and consumption

It supports sustainable waste management practices, transforming organic waste into valuable fertilizers.

Goal 15: life on land

The use of organic fertilizers fosters biodiversity and helps maintain healthy ecosystems, promoting land sustainability.

Application Guidelines: BSFF fertilizer is recommended for fruits and vegetables, with an optimal application rate of 10 tons per hectare for poor soils. It can be used as base manure or applied after transplanting, depending on the crop's cultivation practices.
Soil-Specific Considerations: Fertilizer application should account for nutrient recovery rates, soil natural fertility, and organic matter content. Soil analyses are essential to tailor application rates to specific farms or regions with similar soil types.

Last updated on 1 October 2024