Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Rahi Fine Black Solder Flies project is situated in KENOL Murang’a county. We intend to be Black Solder Flies farmers whereby; we will be selling them and as well offer the best training to other farmers.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

a) Sale of black soldier flies-we intend to sell black soldier flies to act as a sustainable Supplement offering High protein. Black soldier flies are very easy to rear, rich in vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, chitin, flavonoids all important in poultry, fish and pig nutrition. Black soldier flies are essential in organic waste conversion in line with circular economy hereby offering high quality protein, organic fertilizer for crops, and as a form of recycling waste. b) Training of Black Solder Flies Farmers-We have noted that most of the BSF famers do not know where and how to get the supplies needed to set up the BSF rearing environment, considering this we will be offering them with training as well as buying the BFS from them. Farmer will be encouraged to rear the BSF in high numbers and also train other farmers in the society.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Unemployment-Many people especially youths have resulted in drug abuse, prostitution and depression due lack of employment. With our training, we shall help a higher percentage and encourage them to start BSF farming. b) High cost of feeds-The cost of feeds is increasing at higher rate and this is discouraging many farmers to a point of doing away with farming. Through BSF farming, Study shows that, farmers will cut the price of feed by 35%. c)Lack of information-many farmers do not have information about BSF farming and most of them end up making losses and also doing away with farming we will be offering them with the best training. d)Lack of enough BSF being produced in the country-Based on research, the farming of BSF is low in Kenya and this cannot satisfy the demand, this is because of the inconsistence of farmers. e) Pollution-Kenya is producing 3000tonnes of waste daily. The unique characteristic of BSFL is that they can consume can consume large amount of waste.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

a) Cost-we will sell our BSF at an affordable cost that any farmer can afford. Purchasing our BSF will help farmers reduce their cost of production. b) Efficiency-Considering that BFS takes 45 days to mature, farmers will be having them at all times as we will stagger our crops. c)Quality manure- larvae efficiently convert organic waste into protein-rich biomass and a nutritious by-product known as frass which is rich in nutrients. This organic manure is better than any other inorganic fertilizer.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

a) Local farmers-we will be targeting pig farmers, poultry farmers and fish farmers. b) Women and youths’ groups-we will be training women and youths on BSF farming, we will be training in groups for collective responsibility

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-09-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Collins Mwaura - 1 years experience in black soldier fly farming. Computer certificate.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our farm has made significant strides in addressing poverty by creating employment opportunities for 2 individuals and providing training to 20 farmers in black soldier fly production. The practice of black soldier fly farming is gaining momentum in Kenya as a sustainable and alternative source of animal feed and fertilizer. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, farmers have overcome challenges and enhanced their businesses. Furthermore, we have established a farmers' network and organized industry events to facilitate the sharing of best practices, mutual learning, and collaboration on projects.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Empowering women and youth in Black Soldier Farm is our commitment. Our training workshops have successfully equipped them with the skills they need to thrive. By guiding farm establishment and sales, we have seen farmers become leaders in their own right, passing on their knowledge to empower even more farmers. Moreover, our initiative extends to educating the community through church events, shedding light on the cost and nutritional benefits of BSF feed supplementation. We aim to extend this impact by offering targeted training to women and youth groups.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

At Rahi BSF project, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring gender equality in the workplace. Our dedicated efforts focus on providing equal opportunities and empowering women and young individuals during the hiring process. We take proactive measures to champion gender equality and nurture an environment that is both supportive and respectful.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Empowering women and youth in our community through comprehensive training programs! Our initiatives offer sustainable employment opportunities, breaking the cycle of prostitution. By arming individuals with essential skills, we enable farmers to become self-sufficient trainers. Through BSF farming, we foster decent work and drive economic growth, irrespective of gender or socioeconomic status.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Through our training and work with women and youth groups, we aim to eradicate discriminatory practices. We provide start-up larvae at affordable prices, allowing farmers to establish their farms. We also offer employment at the farm, regardless of gender or age.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Black soldier fly larvae play a crucial role in ensuring food security by offering a sustainable protein source that can alleviate hunger and malnutrition in resource-constrained regions. In addition to its protein-rich larvae, black soldier flies produce frass fertilizer, a nutrient-rich byproduct that enhances soil fertility and promotes plant growth. Frass fertilizer also offers environmental benefits, including reduced nutrient leaching and improved soil structure, underscoring its potential to revolutionize agricultural practices.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

BSF production is innovative because it incorporate the principle of circular economy hereby reducing the feed requirement. Through BSF farming we reduce waste hereby reducing agricultural pollution. The demand for BSF far outweighs the supply as more and more farmers are being educated on the cost implications. Through our training we intend to offer hands on training to our farmers allowing for practical knowledge transfer. Through increasing our capacities we hope to have crops at different life cycles.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Other BSF farmers are our potential competitors but the fact that we're committed in cooperating with the community and leveraging our experience will make us stand out,

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

yes -we have trained new farmers whereby,80% are youths and 45% are men.