Insects as Animal Feed: Black Soldier Fly and Circular Food Systems

Perspectives in Global Development: Spring 2024 Seminar Series

Abstract

Developing novel protein sources for poultry and fish feed is a top priority for ensuring food security and economic opportunities in the Global South. Globally, poultry and fish production and consumption are increasing faster than for any other animal system, with poultry consumption expected to quadruple in parts of sub-Saharan Africa in the next 25 years.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) larvae can supply dietary protein for livestock feed and produce frass, which can be used as a soil amendment. During their relatively brief development period, larvae feed on decomposing organic wastes that otherwise burden municipalities and farms, including food waste and animal manure. Further, the use of BSF to manage wastes and augment protein sources for feed provides opportunities for community members to build circular economy enterprises. Charles Midega and Jesus Orozco are operating BSF demonstration sites in Kenya and Honduras, respectively.

This talk will focus on how BSF production can be scaled in the Global South beyond the existing demonstration sites in a way that is decentralized rather than centralized, and contextualized rather than standardized, and can therefore adapt to varied bio-regions, climates, and policy environments, as well as areas with varying population densities and, in the case of BSF farming, volumes of available organic material. The talk will also include how this scaling can be integrated within the emerging agricultural research and development landscapes in the Global South to ensure inclusivity, relevance, and sustainability. 

About the speakers

• Charles Midega, Poverty and Health Integrated Solutions (Kenya)
• Jesus Orozco, Zamarano University (Honduras)

Perspectives in Global Development

The Perspectives in Global Development seminars are held Wednesdays from 12:20-1:20 p.m. eastern time during the semester. The series is presented in a hybrid format with some speakers on campus and others appearing via Zoom. All seminars are shown in Warren Hall 175. Students, faculty and the general public are welcome to attend. The series is co-sponsored by the Department of Global Development, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, and the School of Integrative Plant Science as part of courses GDEV 4961, AEM 4961, NTRES 4961, GDEV 6960, AEM 6960, and NTRES 6960