Context: Sustainable organic fertilizer alternatives are crucial to reducing costs for smallholder farmers, improving food security, and supporting economic growth in vulnerable communities.

Partners: The Rockefeller Foundation, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).
Duration: Research and implementation period since 2015 and ongoing as of the published date (November 10, 2020).
Location: Kenya, specifically focused on smallholder farmers in Kenya’s Central Highlands, including Muranga County.

Impact Achieved

• The use of organic fertilizer from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae has led to improved soil fertility and higher crop yields for farmers.
• Farmers experienced reduced input costs by using the organic fertilizer produced from BSF larvae waste, cutting the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Employment opportunities were generated for youth and women involved in the production of BSF larvae and organic fertilizer processing.
• High interest in BSF-based organic fertilizer, with over 5,000 farmers trained in using BSF to convert waste into a valuable resource.
• The initiative helped reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.

Description:
The project, a partnership between The Rockefeller Foundation and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), focuses on promoting Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as a sustainable and cost-effective protein source for animal feed in Kenya. The initiative aims to alleviate poverty, enhance food security, and improve the health of smallholder farmers by providing an alternative to traditional feed sources like fishmeal and soybeans, which are costly and compete with human food supplies. Through extensive research and development, icipe identified BSF larvae as an ideal solution due to their ability to efficiently convert organic waste into high-quality protein. Since 2015, the project has trained over 5,000 farmers in Kenya on how to raise and use BSF larvae, demonstrating the larvae nutritional benefits and cost savings. By adopting this innovative approach, farmers like Rosanne Mwangi have seen a 20% increase in earnings, thanks to reduced feed costs and faster growth rates of animals. The project not only supports economic empowerment but also fosters job creation, particularly for youth and women involved in feed production. With a high adoption rate among farmers and feed producers, this initiative is driving significant change in Kenya’s agricultural sector, offering a scalable model for sustainable development across the region.

More info here

The Food Systems Call to Action is a global initiative that urges non-state actors and governments to take immediate steps to transform food systems by 2030. It highlights the urgent need for resilient, sustainable, and equitable approaches that support food security, protect nature, and address climate change. Through targeted actions and principles, the Call to Action emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—ensuring that farmers, frontline workers, Indigenous communities, and other key players are at the forefront of decision-making and implementation.