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| BSF(image source: pixabay) |
Exploring the Possibilities of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Rearing.
The BSF belongs to the Diptera order and is a native species of neotropics. However, it is now present in warm temperate and tropical areas. The BSF may look like a wasp but it is not poisonous and stinging.
There is great interest in rearing BSFs which are good for organic manuring as well as for the meat. These flies yield about fifty percent of good quality of dry protein per unit weight among animals and human beings; their larvae thus form a healthy type of nutritious snack.
In addition, their ability to devour almost every natural refuse product makes them a great approach to handling any food waste arising from restaurants or farming remains.
The process of BSF farming involves several stages:
Cultivation of BSFs: This includes making the right environment conducive for the growth and reproduction of the BSFs.
Waste Management: Organic wastes serve as food for BSF larvae.
Harvesting and Processing: These mature BSF larvae are harvested and processed for use.
BSF farming offers several advantages:
Sustainability: BSF farming utilizes less water, land, and energy in comparison to traditional livestock breeding procedures.
Waste Management: These are why the BSF larvae can be very great in helping people manage to get rid of their own food wastes or leftovers.
High Protein Content: BSF larvae provide nutrition in protein form, including that for humans as well as other animals.
BSF farming is an opportunity to produce environmentally friendly and healthy animal feeds as well as manage organic wastes in a sustainable manner.
Black soldier fly farming.
BSF is a method of farming where people grow the black soldier fly for use by animals as food rich in proteins. This process encompasses several stages:
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| BSF life cycle |
1. The egg stage lasts for two days. At this point, the eggs metamorphose into larvae.
2. Also, the second stage is termed as larval which lasts for two weeks. At this stage, the larvae feed on decaying vegetable matter including dead leaves and insects undergoing radical metamorphosis. Molting is a process that they undergo several times while shedding exoskeleton during growth.
3. This takes place between a week and two weeks into the pupa phase which occurs after the larva stage. Herein, the larvae stop feeding and develop pupae during the period of metamorphosis. Pupule form and the larvae develop into adult mosquitoes.
4. They spend approximately five to eight adult days in maturation. In its adult stage, the black soldier fly reproduces, lays eggs, and dies in this phase of the lifecycle.
Farming involves creating favorable conditions in which BSF and its food source (organic waste) would grow and then crop production and lastly processing of mature BSF larvae. Larvae are a good source of protein because they eat when preparing for the adult stage.
Generally, BSF farming is a new approach to agriculture which considers some problems such as environmental sustainability in livestock production and waste disposal.
There are several reasons why BSF farming makes sense in Kenya.
Black Soldier Fly Farming is one of the most sustainable ways of producing proteins. Just like other countries, Kenya also requires a lot of protein for its population. Larvae of BSF consume organic trash such as kitchen offals and as a result convert this trash into proteins that can be a good source of protein. It can also serve to recycle waste and as a food source.
The country also encounters problems with the existing protein sources. These are limited in terms of common sources such as cotton cake, soya beans and fish meal that are very expensive. These are quite costly and may not be manageable for a long period of time.
BSF farming offers an alternative. Production of environmentally friendly protein is cheaper. It uses organic waste to feed the larva and hence reduce the strain on standard sources of protein. The mentioned approach has potential to be a double gain for the Kenyan environment and nutrition.
The Advantages of Cultivating Black Soldier Fly (BSF):
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| BSF larvae(image source: pixabay) |
1. The Nutritional Powerhouse - BSF Larvae:
BSF is a nutritious animal, containing proteins, fats, essential amino acids, and minerals, among other nutrients.
Protein content of about 60-63% which even rivals soy.
It contains high-quality biologic protein enriched with lysine, threonine, methionine etc.
BSF’s fat content is very digestible making a good supplement for chicken, pig and even dairy cows.
2. The Environmental Impact of BSF Farming:
Bsf can be fed with almost any kind of biodegradable materials making them one of the best means of solving the problems of wasting food stuffs and products.
Compared to conventional composting, the bioconversion of BSF emits fewer greenhouse gases thereby producing low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Carrying such small-scale insect breeding as those of BSF occupies less space when compared to growing crops, which implies smaller CO2 emissions.
However, BSF farming is not without its disadvantages among these being regulatory issues, infrastructure, technological challenges and marketing constraints just but to mention few.
Overcoming Obstacles in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Farming in Kenya:
Potential Hurdles:
Bsf is a new idea in kenya and it takes time for people to understand new technology and embrace it.
Suggested Solutions:
Post-Harvest Processing and Shelf-Life: Establishment of post-harvest processing methods, validations thereof, and determination of the shelf life period of BSF finished products may turn out also very useful.
BSF in Fertilizer Production: By using bsf, we shall make nutritious fertilizers for agriculture and fodders for livestock, resolving the world food crisis through green farming initiatives.
Note, these are possible solutions but how effective they could be depend on the situational context to which they will be applied. However, it is advisable to consult specialists every time you decide apply these solutions.
Case studies
A new manner of agriculture has been established in the centre of Ndenderu, Kiambu County- BSF farming. From egg until fully grown the local farmers cultivate this new venture which is currently proving profitable.
A case study by Nancy Njoki, a local farmer on BSF farming. Such a practice is a tricky affair that must be cautiously handled with temperature at 35 degree Celsius and protection of the flies from birds. These flies are reared in a greenhouse by feeding on a diet of maize-wheat mix, with the proportion depending on the developmental stage. Dry Larvae can go for as much as Ksh150per kilogram, and the worms can be traded for Ksh300-500per one kilogram depending on the market demand. People opt to buy the larvae as they are relatively cheaper than the eggs.
In spite of these difficulties, BFS farming has been adopted by local farmers. This greenhouse employs about ten persons and contributes towards job creation as the whole operation creates more employment. Interestingly, some of the smelly substances are utilized by farmers as bait for the flies to place their eggs.
At all levels, BSF is useful in its cycle of life. It provides protein for livestocks cheaper than it is done by soyas and fish, respectively.︙ A researcher from the University of Jomo Kenyatta in Agriculture and technology (JKUAT), made recommendations on BSF farming in 2021, emphasizing its contribution to waste management.
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| Bsf training at MMH |
Conclusion
BSF farming is promising as a sustainable protein source in Kenya. This is a new way of addressing issues of food shortage, disposal of wastes, and environmental protection. The BSF’s larvae are high in proteins as compared to normal livestock fodder hence providing cheaper options to substitute conventional animal feeds thus conserving existing natural resources.
Yet, the entire potency of BSF farming remains untapped. Enhancing farming techniques, nutrition analysis and product marketing demand more research.
It also important that investments are made to stimulate this market to continue growing and developing. Here it involves provision of funds for start-up operations, construction of irrigation facilities, as well as training of growers.
BSF farming may act as a breakthrough for Kenya’s agriculture sector and its pursuit towards sustainable development. Hence, it becomes a cry to researchers, investors, policymakers, as well as the general public to venture into this domain and take part in its development.
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Farming