EcoCycle Larvae System: Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) proteins for low cost animal feeds

BSFL proteins for sustainable local fish and chicken feed production

BSFL composting is a biological waste recycling method where the larvae of the black soldier fly are used to decompose various organic materials. The larvae are voracious feeders, capable of consuming a wide range of organic waste, including food scraps, agricultural by-products, and even manure. This process results in the production of nutrient-dense larvae that can be harvested and used as animal feed, as well as a nutrient-rich compost known as frass.

This technology is pre-validated.

8•9

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

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

Its impacts adults aged 18 and over by creating job opportunities in waste management and resource recovery, providing sustainable income through the production of high-quality animal feed and organic fertilizer.

The poor: Positive high

Its significantly impact the poor by providing a sustainable solution for organic waste management, creating income-generating opportunities through the production of high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizers.

Under 18: Positive medium

It provides educational opportunities for young people under 18 to learn about waste management, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, while also potentially improving food security through the production of nutrient-rich animal feed and fertilizers.

Women: Positive medium

It empowers women by providing them with income-generating opportunities through small-scale insect farming and waste management initiatives, enhancing their economic independence.

Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable

The Black Soldier Fly Larvae composting technology is highly adaptable to different climates, efficiently processes various organic wastes, improves waste management, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes sustainable resource recovery.

Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement

Black Soldier Fly Larvae composting technology helps farmers adapt by reducing reliance on chemical inputs, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports sustainable waste management practices.

Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity

Black Soldier Fly Larvae composting technology impacts plants, animals, and nature by improving soil health through the alkaline residue left after composting, supporting plant growth and contributing to a more sustainable ecosystem.

Carbon footprint: Much less carbon released

Black Soldier Fly Larvae composting technology emits far less greenhouse gases than traditional methods, averaging 0.38 kg CO₂-equivalents per ton of food waste and 96 g of CO₂ per kg of waste.

Environmental health: Greatly improves environmental health

Black soldier fly larvae composting technology helps manage organic waste, reduce pathogens and remediate heavy metal contamination of waste, leading to a more sustainable ecosystem.

Soil quality: Improves soil health and fertility

Black Soldier Fly Larvae composting technology benefits soil health and fertility by producing nutrient-rich frass, improving water retention, and supporting beneficial microbial activity, which leads to better plant growth and enhanced soil health.

Water use: Much less water used

Black Soldier Fly Larvae composting technology uses less water than traditional methods, handling organic waste at a moisture content of 60-70%, whereas traditional composting often needs higher moisture levels and more frequent watering.

Problem

Feed supply issues: Fish and poultry farming in sub-Saharan Africa face inconsistent and unreliable year-round feed supplies.
High production costs: Rising feed prices significantly increase production costs, making it difficult for farmers to sustain operations.
Food waste and organic waste: A large portion of food (30-40%) is wasted, resulting in excessive organic waste and livestock manure that require proper management.
Environmental damage: Unsustainable management of organic waste leads to negative environmental impacts, such as pollution and resource depletion.
Economic and social instability: The traditional linear economy creates long-term threats to economic stability, environmental health, and social equity.

Solution

BSFL composting technology: Using Black Soldier Fly larvae to decompose organic waste provides a sustainable way to manage waste and reduce environmental harm.
Alternative feed source: BSFL technology produces nutrient-rich larvae that can be used as a low-cost, sustainable animal feed for fish and poultry, reducing dependence on expensive traditional feed.
Waste recycling: The process turns food scraps, agricultural by-products, and manure into valuable resources like protein-rich feed and compost (frass), closing the loop in the circular economy.
Environmental sustainability: By reducing landfill waste and reusing organic materials, BSFL technology helps mitigate the negative environmental impact of waste.
Circular economy promotion: Encouraging the adoption of BSFL technology supports a circular economy model that fosters long-term economic stability, environmental protection, and social equity.

Key points to design your project

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) Composting Technology can help local communities in sub-Saharan Africa manage organic waste sustainably while producing affordable and nutrient-rich livestock feed. This solution contributes to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting waste recycling, and SDG 13: Climate Action by reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The technology also supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger by providing a low-cost, high-protein feed for livestock, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating new economic opportunities in waste management and animal farming.

To implement this technology in a project, the following activities need to be considered:

Establish reliable systems for collecting organic waste, such as food scraps, agricultural by-products, and manure, from local sources.
Identify suitable sites for BSFL composting facilities, ensuring they are close to both waste sources and livestock farms.
Procure the necessary equipment for BSFL composting, including larvae rearing containers, temperature control systems, and harvesting tools.
Set up and manage a breeding system for Black Soldier Fly larvae to ensure a steady supply for waste processing.
Develop procedures for harvesting the larvae and processing them into livestock feed, as well as collecting the frass to use as compost.
Market the larvae-based feed products to livestock farmers, agro-dealers, and local distributors, and promote the use of frass as a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Prerequisites for the project include understanding the biology and lifecycle of Black Soldier Fly larvae, the types of organic waste available locally, and the technical aspects of larvae rearing, feed production, and composting.

The total estimated cost to establish a small-scale BSFL composting facility ranges from approximately 1,000 to 2,400 USD. This budget can vary based on local conditions, specific requirements, and the scale of the operation. Adjustments may be necessary based on specific project needs and available resources.

A team of experts could provide training on managing BSFL feed production, and organic waste handling. Costs for initial training and post-training support should be included in the project budget.

Key partners might include organizations specializing in waste management and livestock feed production technologies. Collaboration with government agencies could facilitate regulatory approval and access to funding.

1,000—2,400 USD

Small BSFL composting system

375—1,040 %

Return on investment

IP

Unknown

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	Adopted
Côte d’Ivoire	Tested	–Not adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	Tested	–Not adopted
Gambia	Tested	–Not adopted
Ghana	Tested	Adopted
Kenya	Tested	Adopted
Mali	Tested	–Not adopted
Morocco	Tested	Adopted
Niger	Tested	–Not adopted
Nigeria	Tested	Adopted
Rwanda	Tested	–Not adopted
South Africa	Tested	Adopted
Tanzania	Tested	Adopted
Togo	Tested	–Not adopted
Uganda	Tested	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 1: no poverty

Black Soldier Fly Larvae composting technology reduces poverty by improving waste management, creating business opportunities.

Goal 2: zero hunger

Black soldier fly larvae composting technology can reduce hunger by providing a sustainable source of high-protein biomass for animal feed, thereby enhancing food security in livestock and aquaculture.

Goal 11: sustainable cities and communities

Black soldier fly larvae composting technology promotes sustainable cities and communities by efficiently converting organic waste into valuable resources, reducing landfill use.

Goal 12: responsible production and consumption

Black soldier fly larvae composting technology promotes responsible production and consumption by reducing waste, minimizing reliance on synthetic inputs, and fostering a circular economy that encourages sustainable resource use.

Goal 13: climate action

Black soldier fly larvae composting technology promotes climate action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, minimizing the need for synthetic fertilizers, and enhancing soil health and agricultural productivity

Goal 17: partnerships for the goals

Black soldier fly larvae composting technology promotes partnerships for the goals by fostering collaboration among local communities, businesses, and researchers to transform organic waste into valuable resources.

Using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) composting technology is a straightforward process that allows users to efficiently recycle organic waste into valuable feed for animals or nutrient-rich compost. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to implement this technology:

Step 1: Acquire Black Soldier Fly Larvae
You can purchase BSFL from local feed stores or online retailers. Alternatively, you may find them naturally in your garden or compost pile.

Step 2: Prepare the Composting Bin
1. Choose a Container: Select a bin that can hold organic waste and has good ventilation. A simple plastic container or a wooden box works well.
2. Create a Suitable Environment: Ensure the bin is kept in a moist, dark environment, as BSFL thrive under these conditions.

Step 3: Add Organic Waste
1. Collect Organic Waste: Gather kitchen scraps (like fruits, vegetables, and grains), and other organic materials (such as yard waste). Avoid adding woody materials or anything rich in cellulose.
2. Feed the Larvae: Add the organic waste to the bin. BSFL can consume up to 10 kg of food waste per square meter per day, so adjust the amount based on your bin size and the number of larvae.

Step 4: Introduce the Larvae
1. Bury the Larvae: Place the BSFL into the compost pile. They will burrow into the waste and begin feeding.
2. Monitor Conditions: Keep the environment moist but not soggy, and ensure good airflow.

Step 5: Maintain the Composting Process
1. Regular Feeding: Continue to add organic waste regularly. The larvae will eat about twice their body weight daily, significantly reducing the volume of waste.
2. Observe Growth: Within a few weeks, the larvae will grow rapidly and reach their final larval stage, becoming pre-pupae.

Step 6: Harvest the Larvae
1. Self-Harvesting: As the larvae mature, they will instinctively leave the food source to pupate. You can place a collection bucket at the exit point to catch them.
2. Use as Feed: The harvested larvae can be fed directly to chickens, fish, or reptiles as a protein-rich supplement.

Step 7: Collect the Compost
1. Frass Collection: The remaining material in the bin, known as frass, is a nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich garden soil.
2. Utilize the Compost: Spread the frass in your garden or mix it with soil to improve fertility.

By following these steps, users can effectively implement black soldier fly larvae composting technology to recycle organic waste, produce high-quality animal feed, and create nutrient-rich compost. This process not only helps in waste management but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

Last updated on 18 September 2024