Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

BSF farming project will produce cheaper, high-quality protein and organic fertiliser. Trained by ICIPE, I will sell BSF larvae and Frass fertiliser to farmers and feed manufacturers, promoting sustainable agriculture and waste recycling.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

I am establishing a Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming operation to produce high-quality protein which is the most expensive component of feed and organic fertiliser. Protein constitutes up to 70% of production costs for poultry, fish, and pig feed in Kenya. BSF larvae will be sold to farmers and feed manufacturers, while the frass (insect waste) will serve as valuable fertiliser. The project aims to address protein scarcity, promote sustainable waste recycling, and contribute to Kenya’s agricultural sector. Seeking funding to set up a rearing and breeding unit to ensure a consistent and high-quality supply of BSF products to meet the growing demand.

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

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming project will addresses the following; Protein Scarcity: Protein is a costly component in poultry, fish, and pig feed, accounting for up to 70% of production costs in Kenya. BSF larvae offer an alternative protein source that can be cheaply produced. Organic Fertiliser: BSF larvae produce nutrient-rich frass (insect waste), which serves as an organic fertiliser for soil fertility restoration. This addresses the need for sustainable fertilisers while recycling waste. Waste Recycling: By converting organic waste into valuable protein (larvae) and fertiliser (frass), the project will contribute to waste reduction and environmental sustainability. Economic Empowerment: this will create employment directly and indirectly for young people and women as it will also act as a training centre.

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

Nutritional Value: They are rich in protein and fat, making them valuable for animal feed production. Sustainable Waste Conversion: BSF larvae can efficiently convert organic waste into protein. By doing so, they reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Economic Viability: BSF larvae production has low overall costs. Their energy-packed composition allows you to produce more meat with less fodder, making it economically feasible for small- and medium-scale farmers. Pathogen Deactivation: BSF larvae can deactivate pathogens present in waste materials, contributing to safer and healthier feed production. Ethical and Non-Pest Status: BSF larvae are not considered pests to humans or vectors of disease. Their by-products (frass) can also be used as valuable soil amendments.

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

This project aims to serve primarily small- and medium-scale farmers in Kenya who face high production costs due to expensive protein sources. By providing them with a cost-effective and high-quality protein source through BSF larvae, my project will help reduce their operational expenses and improve their profitability. Additionally, the project serves farmers who need sustainable and nutrient-rich fertilisers. The Frass fertiliser produced by BSF farming is an excellent organic alternative to chemical fertilisers, enhancing soil health and productivity. Feed manufacturing companies are also targeted beneficiaries, as they can incorporate BSF larvae into their feed formulations, reducing their reliance on traditional protein sources like fishmeal and soy. Finally, the project benefits the broader community by promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing waste, and creating economic opportunities in the BSF farming sector.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

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

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

My self, I have trained in Insect rearing, leadership and Sales and Marketing Julius Muema has trained in BSF rearing, driving and Marketing Bishop Dr. Florence Makelete Owns land resource that we are to set up the project

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

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

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

By providing farmers with a more affordable protein source and organic fertiliser, the project helps increase their income and reduce poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

BSF larvae serve as an alternative protein source for animal feed, addressing protein scarcity and enhancing food security.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Providing nutritious protein from BSF larvae supports animal health and, indirectly, human health through improved food quality. Reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers improves soil health and reduces harmful environmental impacts, promoting better health for communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Consider promoting gender-inclusive participation in BSF farming, ensuring equal opportunities for women and men.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

BSF farming reduces organic waste, minimizing water pollution and promoting sustainable waste management.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The project creates employment opportunities, especially for local farmers and those involved in feed manufacturing.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

BSF farming contributes to sustainable agriculture and circular economy practices.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

BSF farming can be implemented in urban and rural areas, promoting sustainable community practices.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

BSF larvae efficiently convert organic waste into valuable protein, aligning with responsible production and resource use.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By reducing greenhouse gas emissions through waste recycling and sustainable farming practices, the project contributes to climate change mitigation.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Reducing reliance on fishmeal for animal feed alleviates pressure on marine ecosystems and fish stocks.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Sustainable farming practices and organic fertiliser usage help protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Promoting fair and sustainable agricultural practices contributes to more peaceful and just communities.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Collaboration with ICIPE and other stakeholders fosters partnerships for achieving sustainable development goals.

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

2

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.

4

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

5

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

5

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

3

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

The product I envision creating with my Black Soldier Fly farming project addresses multiple market aspects. Firstly, there are not a large number of customers already using a similar product/service, indicating an emerging market in Kenya. The product/service can be described as a new technology, given the innovative use of BSF larvae for high-quality protein and organic fertilizer production, and as a significant improvement on existing protein sources and waste management solutions. It extends the range of sustainable agricultural inputs available to farmers and feed manufacturers. Importantly, this project responds to a demand for cost-effective, sustainable protein and organic fertilizer that has not been fully satisfied by traditional products like fishmeal and chemical fertilizers. While BSF farming itself is not entirely new, the specific application and scale of this project represent a new version of an older concept, adapted to local needs and conditions.

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

Fishmeal Producers: Companies that produce and supply fishmeal as a primary protein source for animal feed. Fishmeal has been a staple in the industry for a long time. Soybean Meal Producers: Producers and suppliers of soybean meal, another widely used protein source in animal feed. Commercial Fertilizer Manufacturers: Companies producing and selling chemical fertilizers compete with the organic Frass fertilizer that my BSF farming project will offer. Other BSF Farmers: Although BSF farming is still emerging in Kenya, other local BSF farmers and producers who are already in the market are direct competitors. Alternative Organic Fertilizer Producers: Producers of other types of organic fertilizers, such as compost. Despite these competitors, my project’s unique value proposition—cost-effective, high-quality protein and organic fertiliser, combined with waste recycling—positions it strongly in the market.

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

Yes. we will train them in this venture