Uganda’s agricultural sector is exploring an innovative way to reduce production costs, manage organic waste and strengthen food security: black soldier fly (BSF) farming. By converting food and agricultural waste into protein-rich animal feed and organic fertiliser, the emerging sector offers an opportunity to make farming more affordable while creating new sources of income.
For farmers facing rising input costs, the approach could provide a practical alternative to conventional feed ingredients. Its wider promise lies in connecting waste management, livestock production and crop farming in a system that allows resources to be reused rather than discarded.
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Feed remains one of the biggest expenses in aquaculture, accounting for as much as 70% of production costs in some operations. Dependence on conventional ingredients, including fishmeal and soybean meal, can put pressure on farmers’ margins. Black soldier fly larvae offer an alternative because they can convert suitable organic materials into protein and fat that can be used in animal feed.
Research into insect-based aquaculture feed has demonstrated encouraging results. Trials involving tilapia have found that black soldier fly larvae can replace a proportion of conventional feed without necessarily compromising fish growth, provided diets are properly formulated. The potential savings, however, depend on the cost of producing the larvae, their nutritional composition and the proportion used in the final feed.
For Ugandan farmers, the economic opportunity extends beyond reducing feed bills. Black soldier fly farming produces two useful outputs: the larvae, which can be processed into animal-feed ingredients, and frass, the residual material that can be used as an organic soil amendment. This dual-output model creates opportunities to generate income from materials that might otherwise go to waste, while reducing reliance on some purchased agricultural inputs.
The approach also supports the principles of a circular economy. Food markets, agricultural processors and other businesses generate organic waste that, when appropriately collected and processed, can become a resource for insect production. The resulting larvae can support poultry and fish farming, while the residual material can contribute to soil management. Effective implementation requires careful control of waste inputs, hygiene and processing standards to ensure the safety and quality of the final products.
Beyond commercial agriculture, insect farming has potential social benefits. In refugee-hosting communities, including Uganda’s Kyaka II settlement, insect-rearing initiatives have been explored as a means of supporting livelihoods and improving access to food. Such projects can create opportunities for households to earn income, develop practical skills and diversify their sources of nutrition. Their long-term impact depends on reliable access to suitable organic materials, technical support and markets for the products.
Research institutions also have an important role in developing the sector. Makerere University’s Centre for Insect Research and Development has contributed to research and training in insect farming, helping to build knowledge around production methods and commercial opportunities. Partnerships between universities, development organisations and farmers can help translate research into practical techniques that work under local conditions.
Nevertheless, scaling up black soldier fly farming will require more than promising research results. Farmers need consistent supplies of suitable organic waste, affordable rearing equipment, technical training and dependable buyers. In communities where household food waste is limited, collecting and transporting organic materials from markets or food-processing businesses can add high costs.
Regulatory clarity is equally important. Standards covering insect production, animal-feed safety, waste handling and the use of frass can help build confidence among farmers, processors and investors. Demonstration farms and farmer-training hubs could also encourage adoption by allowing producers to assess the costs and benefits before investing.
Uganda’s experience could offer lessons for other African countries seeking affordable ways to strengthen livestock production, improve waste management and support smallholder livelihoods. The opportunity is not simply to produce more insect protein, but to develop a commercially viable system that connects agriculture, enterprise and environmental sustainability.
Ultimately, black soldier fly farming will succeed if it delivers measurable benefits for farmers: lower production costs, reliable markets, improved productivity and additional income. By turning organic waste into valuable agricultural inputs, Uganda has an opportunity to strengthen its food systems while building a new segment of its agricultural economy.
