ILRI assesses BSFL production systems to scale alternative protein for feed in East Africa

KENYA – A team from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is evaluating Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) production systems in South Africa as part of a broader effort to scale alternative protein sources for animal feed across East Africa.

The visit to a BSF breeding facility in Cape Town focuses on assessing technologies for producing neonates, which are exported to multiple markets, including Kenya and Tanzania. 

The initiative forms part of the Platform for Alternative Feed Ingredients Evaluation (PAFIE) – BSFL project, which aims to reduce reliance on conventional protein inputs, such as soybean and corn, which are increasingly exposed to price volatility, climate risks, and supply disruptions.

Under the project, ILRI is working with private sector partners, including InsectiPro in Kenya and Chanzi Group in Tanzania, to generate evidence on scalable BSFL production models. 

The goal is to improve the affordability and accessibility of feed for smallholder farmers while strengthening local feed value chains.

BSFL is gaining traction as a high-protein, circular feed ingredient for poultry, pigs and aquaculture. 

The larvae convert organic waste into protein, offering both environmental and cost advantages. 

However, despite growing investment, production across East Africa remains largely small-scale, with low bioconversion efficiency, typically below 10%, and operational constraints linked to inconsistent egg supply, climate variability and logistics around waste collection.

The PAFIE project seeks to address these gaps by testing improved production systems and strengthening linkages across the value chain. 

It aims to reduce soybean dependency in commercial feed formulations by 10–15% while improving efficiency and lowering production costs.

Scaling production and strengthening the value chain

The project is structured into three phases: validation of BSFL production technologies under local conditions, expansion of neonate supply to multiplier companies, and culminating in feed and fertiliser trials.

In Kenya and Tanzania, trials are being conducted to compare existing production systems with a “pocket system” developed by a South African BSF breeding company. 

The evaluation focuses on improving larval yield and consistency using locally available organic substrates.

Beyond feed, the project is also exploring the use of frass, a by-product of BSFL production, as a fertiliser for forage crops. 

Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, frass has the potential to improve crop yields and support more integrated, circular farming systems.

Initial stakeholder engagement has brought together actors across the value chain, including feed manufacturers, researchers, regulators and BSFL producers. 

Meetings held in Kenya and Tanzania highlighted strong interest in scaling insect-based feed solutions, alongside persistent challenges related to standardisation, infrastructure and access to finance.

“Poor animal health, poor genetics and limited access to affordable and good quality feed are the key barriers to optimal livestock production in Africa,” said Appolinaire Djikeng, underscoring the importance of feed innovation in improving productivity.

The four-year project is being implemented in Thika, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with funding support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

As feed costs continue to rise across the region, scalable alternative proteins such as BSFL are expected to play an increasingly important role in improving resilience, reducing costs, and supporting sustainable livestock production.

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