Skip to main content
Project

Insect Feed for Poultry and Fish Production in Kenya and Uganda
 

Kenya
Uganda
Project ID
107839
Total Funding
CAD 2,395,248.00
IDRC Officer
Innocent Butare
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
30 months

Programs and partnerships

Agriculture and Food Security

Lead institution(s)

Project leader:
Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe
Uganda

Summary

In many African countries, poultry and fish industries are among the fastest growing agri-businesses. However, expensive inputs such as fish and plants used as feed ingredients are threatening producers' survival. This project aims to address the problem.Read more

In many African countries, poultry and fish industries are among the fastest growing agri-businesses. However, expensive inputs such as fish and plants used as feed ingredients are threatening producers' survival. This project aims to address the problem. The researchers want to achieve long-term food and nutritional security by using insects as a reliable, sustainable, safe, and cost-effective source of protein and other nutrients. Their goal? To improve feed production for small-scale poultry and fish farming enterprises in Kenya and Uganda. In nature, insects are feed sources for fish and poultry. They are known to have higher protein content than conventional fish and soybean meals. Insects serve other important purposes. They can be used to convert different types of organic waste materials into animal biomass rich in proteins. This biomass can later be used in animal nutrition, an environmentally friendly way to recycle organic waste. Since protein is the most expensive ingredient in poultry and fish diets, feeding them with insects is a viable option. The study will use a multidisciplinary approach with qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research team will test the technical feasibility and economic profitability of insect-based feeds with the aim of creating favourable social and political conditions for these feeds. Their product development research will evolve based on factors that are critical to success: end-user needs and perceptions, market demand, business, innovation, and technology management. The project will follow a multi-aspect approach to product development that combines socio-economic, technical, laboratory, and field research with regulatory policy. The 30-month project is a partnership between Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya.

Research outputs

Access full library of outputs Opens in new tab
Brief
Language:

English

Summary

To reduce costs for small-scale producers and redirect food crops currently used as livestock feed toward human consumption, researchers in Kenya and Uganda are testing the feasibility of using insects rather than soybeans and fish meal for raising poultry and fish. This one-page brief explains the project objectives and agenda.

Author(s)
Wrenmedia
Brief
Language:

English

Summary

The project investigated using insects as a source of protein feed to improve productivity for poultry and fish farming enterprises in Kenya and Uganda. Of the 28 profiled insect species, 92% have higher crude protein than available fishmeal, with no aflatoxin or pesticide residues. Over 500 farmers, young entrepreneurs, policymakers and scientists have been trained on insect rearing for integration into animal feed. Using insects as a protein source is estimated to reduce the protein cost of feed production by 25-37%. Researchers in both countries have worked to develop regulations and standards for the use of insects in animal feeds.

Author(s)
Wrenmedia
Dossiers
Language:

French

Summary
Author(s)
Fiaboe, Komi
Brief
Language:

English

Summary

The high cost of animal feed protein constrains vulnerable communities from making a living from poultry and fish farming. Insect based feeds have the potential to relieve this burden and empower women and young people. In western Kenya, 76% of poultry production is carried out by women, but monetary-related decisions are made mostly by men. Insect rearing is a sustainable home-based practice with minimal required inputs, ideal for women farmers often constrained by limited access to agricultural resources. The insect feed for poultry and fish production (INSFEED) project is contributing towards providing an alternative protein source for fish and poultry.

Author(s)
Fiaboe, Komi
Report
Language:

English

Summary

Insect-based feed technology has a huge potential for job creation and income generation through establishment of mass insect-rearing, processing and trading businesses, and as well through improved egg and meat productivity and organic fertilizer commercialization. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) showed greatest potential, absence of nuisance, and conversion to organic fertilizer and animal protein. A total of 506 farmers, entrepreneurs, policy makers and scientists were trained on insect rearing for integration into animal feed, with radio-based awareness programs prompting responses from 25,388 listeners. The project demonstrated the feasibility of developing insect-based feeds for sustainable, safe and cost-effective poultry and fish production.

Author(s)
Fiaboe, Komi
Access full library of outputs Opens in new tab

About the partnership

Partnership(s)

Cultivate Africa's Future

IDRC and ACIAR partnership focused on improving food security, resilience and gender equality across Eastern and Southern Africa.