Nigeria’s RMRDC pushes sustainable feed with black soldier fly training

NIGERIA – The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) recently concluded a groundbreaking training on the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae in animal feed production to advance livestock nutrition and cut feed costs.

Held from April 14 to 16, 2025, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja, the two-day intensive training brought together staff and stakeholders from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the livestock sector. 

The initiative, led by the RMRDC Training School, was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge of global best practices in alternative protein sourcing for animal feed.

With livestock feed prices continuing to soar amid broader food security concerns in Nigeria, the event addressed a pressing national issue. 

The training aimed to build technical capacity in sustainable feed production, in line with RMRDC’s mission to promote local content development and agro-industrial resilience.

“This training is designed to be practical and hands-on,” said I.C. Olife, Dean of the RMRDC Training School, who represented the Council’s Director General. 

“Participants stand to gain the skills needed to implement BSF farming in even the smallest of spaces. Our ultimate goal is to make livestock feed more affordable, reduce food costs, and improve national food security.”

Black Soldier Fly larvae are widely recognised for their ability to convert large volumes of organic waste into high-protein feed and nutrient-rich fertiliser. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), this approach offers a sustainable solution for reducing environmental impact while enhancing agricultural productivity.

Leading the technical segment of the training was Ismail Idris, a respected expert in BSF processing. He provided a detailed overview of the entire larvae production cycle, from harvesting to drying and grinding the insects into a protein-rich meal.

“These low-cost, scalable methods are essential for SMEs looking to cut costs without compromising quality,” Idris explained.

The training also included a session by Olusola Kayode, a consultant with the RMRDC Training School, who spoke on the nutritional benefits of the BSF meal.

“Black Soldier Fly meal is rich in protein and essential nutrients,” Kayode noted. “When properly integrated, it improves livestock performance and supports sustainable feed production.”

A live demonstration led by Hajiya Saude gave participants a first-hand look at BSF cultivation. Attendees learned how to manage the full lifecycle of the insect and create optimal rearing conditions for sustained production.

“Understanding the insect’s behaviour and needs is key to success,” Saude said. “Once farmers grasp these basics, they can produce sustainable feed at a fraction of the conventional cost.”

The initiative forms part of RMRDC’s broader strategy to drive Nigeria’s agro-industrial transformation through science-backed, locally sourced innovations.

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