Insect Feed for Poultry and Fish Production in Kenya and Uganda
Programs and partnerships
Lead institution(s)
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.
About the partnership
