8 results
BSFL proteins for sustainable local fish and chicken feed production A major challenge for fish and chicken farming in sub-Saharan Africa is the lack of a consistent and reliable supply of feed throughout the year. The rising cost of feed, which makes up 60-70% of total production expenses, adds to this problem. At the same time, about 30-40% of food produced today is lost or wasted, leading to large amounts of organic waste and animal manure that harm the environment if not properly managed. The traditional way of producing and consuming goods also creates issues for the economy, ecosystems, and society. To address these challenges, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae composting offers a smart solution. This technology tackles two key problems: managing organic waste and reducing the high cost of animal feed in the region. BSF larvae turn organic waste into valuable protein feed for animals and nutrient-rich fertilizer, cutting down on waste sent to landfills and reducing environmental harm. The larvae are highly efficient at transforming organic by-products into protein-rich feed, providing a more sustainable option for fish and chicken farming. By reusing agricultural waste, BSF technology supports a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy.
GeoAgro-MiSR is a tech tool that uses satellite data to help farmers manage water and fertilizer use for crops like wheat, barley, maize, and potato. It addresses the problem of inefficient resource use, aiming to improve crop yields, reduce input costs, and minimize environmental pollution from overuse of nitrates. The tool offers a free app for farmers to analyze field data and make smart farming decisions. This leads to more sustainable and profitable farming practices.
Affordable animal feed for breeders The technology of "Cassava Peels for Animal Feed Production" holds significant importance in Sub-Saharan Africa, where large quantities of cassava peels are generated as byproducts of cassava processing. These peels, if not properly managed, create environmental hazards through uncontrolled dumping and burning. However, their potential as a valuable resource for rearing livestock and fish remains largely untapped. Cassava peels have the potential to serve as an excellent source of feed and fiber for animals, but their utilization has been hindered by drying constraints, the risk of aflatoxin contamination, and poor storability when traditional methods are employed. The introduction of simple equipment to mechanize the conversion of cassava peels into animal feeds offers solutions to these challenges. This technology reduces labor costs, shortens drying times, and improves the shelf life of feed products. By effectively utilizing cassava peels as animal feed, smallholder farmers and agri-food manufacturers can enhance the value derived from their cassava crops and address the scarcity of nutritious animal feeds. Additionally, the mechanized processing of cassava peels into wet cakes and dry mashes presents opportunities for job creation and business development in rural areas of Africa. Overall, this technology not only mitigates environmental issues but also contributes to improving food security, livestock production, and economic prospects in the region.
Turning hides into leather to enrich communities The technology "Hide Curing and Secondary Leatherworks" emphasizes the importance of properly treating animal hides for maximum value. Hides, after meat, are the next most valuable product from livestock. They can be processed into various products like shoes, handbags, and clothing, provided skilled artisans and appropriate materials are available.
High-Performance Breeding Chicken Breed The technology of "Dual-Purpose Chicken for Small-Scale Producers" addresses the limitations of indigenous chickens by introducing specialized breeds capable of both high egg production and meat yield. These improved breeds are cost-effective, disease-resistant, heat-tolerant, and efficient in converting feed. The distribution process involves companies establishing parent stock and hatchery operations, followed by the transportation of day-old chicks (DOCs) to brooder units. These specialized brooder units focus on essential care, including brooding, feeding, and proper vaccination during the initial 30-40 days of the chicks' lives. This technology allows for the wide dissemination of improved dual-purpose chicken breeds to a large number of smallholder farmers. The approach significantly enhances the survival rates of chickens by providing them with a strong start. An excellent example of this technology in action is the African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI), which successfully initiated numerous brooder units in Tanzania and Nigeria. Through this initiative, millions of day-old chicks were delivered to hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers, significantly impacting poultry farming in these regions.
Aquaculture and Crops system for better yield This technology brings fish farming and crop growing together in a smart way. It helps make more food for households by using pond water for plants and plant leftovers for fish. This means less money spent on fish food and more crops from the fields. It's a big help for small and big farms, making them better at growing food and making money. This technology is a game-changer for farming and making sure there's enough food for everyone.
Enhance fish farming efficiency with sustainable water systems, reducing resource wastage and ensuring robust fish growth. A recirculatory aquaculture system is a technology where water is recycled after filtration to remove suspended matter. This method is used for higher density culture of fish, allowing for maximum use of limited land and water. Water movement into and out of the tank maintains peak water quality conditions despite dense stocking rates. As water passes into the tank it provides oxygen and when it leaves it carries away waste products. Intensive aquaculture in tanks that operate at high stocking densities is furnished with a flow-through system that discharges water, cleans water, and pumps it back through the system. Tanks with a conventional flow-through systems are simpler in design but require an affordable and reliable source of quality water that can be used with minimal pre-treatment. Recirculatory systems are more complex and costly to install but have higher water use efficiency, higher feed conversion, and more exact disease control.
Banana and Plantain Processing for a Healthier Diet Value-added processing of bananas and plantains creates valuable products by using both ripe and unripe fruit. This technology produces items like flour, purees, and chips, all with higher market value than raw fruit. Unripe banana or plantain flour finds uses in baking, gluten-free products, and even infant food. Ripe bananas are transformed into purees suitable for beverages, ice cream, and yogurt. Similar to potato chips, banana chips can be produced fried or dried, offering consumers a tasty and convenient snack. This approach not only reduces fruit waste by utilizing both ripe and unripe stages but also creates new markets and higher potential income for farmers. An additional benefit is the improved nutritional profile, with banana flours boasting a richness in fiber, potassium, and resistant starch. The technology is adaptable to both small-scale and industrial production facilities, making it a valuable tool for a variety of stakeholders in the banana and plantain value chain.