Farmers in North Rift Turn to Organic Fertilizer from Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Sustainable Agriculture
by adopting and rearing black soldier flies on their farms, farmers can convert waste products into valuable manure
By Jessica Nyaboke
Farmers in the North Rift region are increasingly recognizing the value of organic fertilizers made from the digestates of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) for improving crop production. These fertilizers offer a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical options.
Uasin Gishu County Chief Officer for Trade and Industrialization, Geoffrey Tanui, emphasized the importance of educating farmers about the benefits of using these organic fertilizers. Last week, Tanui led a delegation from the Nyeri County Department of Public Service Management and Solid Waste Management on a benchmarking visit to the Fair and Sustainable Black Soldier Insect Farm in Annex. “It’s crucial that farmers understand how they can turn waste into a resource by adopting sustainable practices such as rearing black soldier flies,” Tanui said.
He highlighted that rearing black soldier flies on farms allows farmers to transform waste products into valuable organic manure, thus promoting sustainability in agriculture. “By embracing this practice, farmers can convert what would otherwise be waste into a valuable resource,” Tanui noted.
The delegation was particularly impressed with how the insect farm efficiently processes and transforms waste from local markets, including the Kimumu Bahati wholesale market, into nutrient-rich manure. This practice not only reduces waste but also enhances soil fertility.
Currently, many large-scale farmers in the region rely heavily on chemical fertilizers, which can lead to increased soil acidity over time. The organic fertilizer produced by black soldier fly larvae provides a promising alternative, helping to maintain soil health and productivity.
Everlyn Nekesa, the manager of Fair and Sustainable Black Soldier Insect Farm, elaborated on the effectiveness of the larvae in breaking down organic waste from markets, food industries, and restaurants. “The larvae are highly efficient at degrading organic waste, converting it into a valuable protein source that is highly sought after by fish, poultry, and pig farmers,” Nekesa explained.
She further noted that this waste conversion process is significantly quicker than traditional composting, which can take several months to produce usable soil. “Organic fertilizers derived from black soldier fly larvae can serve as an effective substitute for imported mineral fertilizers in crop production, offering both economic and environmental benefits,” she added.
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