Close up of Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae or maggot, Hermetia Illucens insect farms for fish and poultry feed
The plant is aimed at cutting down the cost of livestock feeds and enhancing profitability among smallholder farmers.
Engineers Without Borders Israel (EWB-I) is an Israeli organisation that consists of engineers and technical professionals who volunteer their skills to support various humanitarian projects worldwide.
Agriculture Chief Officer Newton Mwaura said the partnership with Israel will help in promoting climate-smart and locally adapted appropriate technologies for food security in the county, adding that the farmers’ training will offer practical solutions to combat the high cost of feeds, support sustainable agriculture, and enhance productivity.
He explained that the collaboration will involve mutual activity of building an innovation hub at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) to promote regional capacity through demonstration and development of a toolbox for professional advice to farmers and the entire regional community.
The chief officer said the facility will provide techniques on rearing the Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSF), farming Duckweed and Azolla, and processing them into animal feeds for cattle, sheep, goats, fish, pigs and poultry.
Mwaura noted that feeds contribute to about 60 per cent of the total production costs in a farm, adding that locally available alternatives, if embraced and processed into feeds, will be a game changer for thousands of farmers in the region, as their household incomes will improve significantly.
Through the partnership, the chief officer explained that youth and women groups will also be trained in the cultivation of spirulina, which he said will be used as a supplement in the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) school feeding programme.
“The initiative will have a positive impact on local economies by creating employment opportunities, particularly in farming and kitchen activities,” Mwaura added.
According to the Chief Officer, protein is the most expensive component of animal feed, with protein feed being costly because of the competition for consumption between animals and humans and tapping into protein alternatives would drastically cut the cost of livestock farming and improve the profitability of smallholder farmers.
Spirulina, which is usually used as a food supplement to combat malnutrition, is an aquatic microorganism often referred to as algae and grows naturally in rivers. However, outside its natural habitat, it is grown in a greenhouse, as it also does well in a controlled environment.
It’s typically grown in large, shallow tanks where it can receive plenty of sunlight, and the water in the tanks needs to be constantly stirred or aerated to prevent the Spirulina from clumping together.
Mwaura said the cyanobacterium is nutrient-dense and is often used as a dietary supplement as it has extremely high protein levels and is packed full of beneficial vitamins, including vitamins B and K, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, making it perfect for treating malnutrition, particularly among young learners in Early childhood development education.
On the other hand, Mwaura explained that Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSF), scientifically known as Hermetia illucens, is an insect prized for its larvae, which is rich in protein and an ideal feed source for livestock, including poultry, fish, and pigs. These larvae, he added, thrive on organic waste, converting it into nutrient-dense feed and producing a secondary byproduct known as frass.
Mwaura further said that frass, a type of organic fertiliser, is a natural soil enhancer that provides a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers, which is said to have contributed to soil degradation and reduced agricultural productivity over time.
He said with many farmers struggling due to low production linked to overuse of synthetic fertilisers, BSF offers a sustainable solution that supports both the environment and food systems.
The official emphasized the importance of waste recycling in BSF farming as a step toward creating resilient, sustainable food production systems.
He observed that BSF farming presents an accessible and affordable opportunity, particularly for women and young people who often have limited access to land and capital, as it can be done on a small scale, making it suitable for populations with limited space and budget constraints.
He explained that the use of BSF frass as an organic fertiliser contributes to the fight against climate change by reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, which could disrupt soil biodiversity and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
“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,” added Mwaura.
Duckweeds are tiny, free-floating vascular plants found throughout the world on fresh (or sometimes brackish) waters. The main duckweed species are Lemna minor, Lemna gibba, Spirodela polyrhiza (sometimes spelled Spirodela polyrrhiza), and Wolffia arrhizal).
Mwaura explained that duckweeds grow very quickly in small ponds, ditches or swamps where they extract large quantities of nutrients, making the plant a potential source of protein for humans and livestock, notably poultry and fish.
According to experts, it contains high levels of protein, vitamins and minerals; grows exponentially; and can produce under optimal conditions 6 to 10 times more protein per hectare than soybean.
Mwaura observed that the fast-growing and versatile aquatic fern, Azolla, was one of the locally available alternatives to commercial animal feeds. With robust nitrogen-fixing capabilities, the Chief Officer pointed out that the fern also serves as an excellent fertiliser.
Mwaura further said that Azolla’s composition makes it an economic and efficient feed substitute for livestock. It’s high protein and low lignin content ensures easy digestion by livestock.
