Platform for Alternative Feed Ingredients Evaluation (PAFIE)

The goal of this project is to test, generate evidence and disseminate knowledge products, including data and information on a series of black soldier fly (BSF) innovations implemented across the BSF production value chain and its resulting impact on the profitability of the BSF system and economic impact for value chain actors. The project will demonstrate the pathway to making dedicated BSF neonate breeding and supply functional (by working with BSF Breeding Ltd).

The project will also demonstrate the optimal BSF multiplication systems, including feed formulation and rearing conditions that make the production system more efficient and ultimately profitable for multiplication companies. The project will support local feed companies in Kenya and Tanzania to conduct a series of feed ingredient preparation and formulation optimization studies resulting in data on estimates of the optimal BSFL inclusion rates in fish and poultry diets.

This project will focus on black soldier fly (BSF) larvae-based meal in Eastern Africa, since it is already gaining traction among aquaculture and livestock farmers in several countries but there are challenges on its scalability to drive the feeds sector. The larvae feed off organic waste collected from local markets and fields and produce high protein black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) which can be used to feed livestock – poultry, pigs and fish – and the frass used to fertilize crop fields, thus contributing to a circular economy. A few private sector players are already involved in small and medium-scale production of BSFL in Africa, utilizing local food waste and slaughterhouse waste. In Eastern Africa, they include InsectiPro in Kenya, CRA between ILRI & BSF Breeding Ltd –Ref: Contract No. BMG028/BSFB/2025/01 Page 10 of 29 Chanzi Ltd in Tanzania, and Luna PLC in Ethiopia. In West Africa, Neofarm in Senegal, and Ento Farms in Ghana are good
examples.