Gendered Awareness of Pig and Poultry Farmers on the Potential of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Farming in Kenya

Abstract

Given the need to boost food production while guaranteeing environmental sustainability, the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens (L.), Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is gaining traction worldwide as an alternative protein source. In Kenya, BSF production and its use as a feed component is an emerging business, but farmer awareness of the potential use of BSF in animal feed has received limited attention. This study examined the factors influencing farmer awareness of insect farming and its usefulness as ingredient in livestock feed from a gender perspective. The analysis employed a mixed-methods approach by combining binary logistic regression analysis using cross-sectional survey data from a sub-sample of 235 pig and poultry farmers and content analysis from in-depth phone interviews. The study was implemented in Kiambu County, Kenya. About 44% of the farmers were aware of the use of black soldier fly in the animal feed industry, of which 46.72% were female, and 41.59% were male. From the results, years of education, the number of chickens owned, and membership in agricultural groups significantly influenced male and female farmers’ awareness. In addition, age and the number of pigs owned significantly influenced female farmers’ awareness. The results suggest that these factors are important to consider when strategies are developed to create awareness of BSF farming. Lessons learned from this study will inform BSF dissemination strategies to better target potential men and women BSF producers, influence their decision-making ability and improve information flows between scientists and producers.

Farmers and Consumers Awareness and Acceptance of the Novel Practice of Utilizing Insect Protein as an Alternative Protein Source in Poultry Feed: A Survey

“…This nonresponsive percentage of farmers corroborates with the 47.5% who admitted not having any knowledge about the use of insects as an alternative protein source for poultry. Similar results have been reported by Bulinda et al [25] when the knowledge and willingness of black soldier fly usage as a potential protein source in pig and poultry production in Kenya was investigated. Though 52.5% of poultry farmers admitted to having some form of knowledge about insects as an alternative protein source for poultry, it was rather disappointing to know that only 3.8% of respondents had ever attempted the adoption or use of insect protein, (specifically, Housefly larvae) as an alternative protein source, out of which only 2.5% found it to be desirable or promising (Fig.…”

Physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)

“…Oil quality primarily depends on its fatty acid composition [10]. Previous studies have found that BSFL oil is rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), mainly lauric acid [11,12], which exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer properties [7,13,14]. These observations are in agreement with those of a recent study showing that BSFL oil has antioxidant activities without causing toxicity in Artemia salina [11].…”

“…A high concentration of lauric acid in the BSFL oil indicates its potential use, which is similar to that of coconut oil and palm kernel oil [36]. Several studies have shown that lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer activities [7,13,14]. Moreover, lauric acid is widely used as a raw material for the production of surfactants in the food, cosmetic, shampoo, and pharmaceutical industries [7].…”

“…The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), specifically the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), has received increased attention from scientists because BSFL can consume a diverse range of organic waste materials and is of nutritional benefit [5]. The nutritional composition of BSFL depends on the rearing substrate; in general, it contains 40% protein and 30% fat on a dry matter basis [6,7]. However, nutritional biomass can vary depending on the type of growing substrate [8].…”

Black soldier fly larvae should be considered beyond their use as feedstuff

“…This not only represents an excellent opportunity for the feed sector, but also for increasing the production of valuable insect components and conferring new properties on final bioproducts derived from BSF. For instance, the amount of lauric acid, which is naturally high in BSF larvae, comprising about 50% of the total fat fraction, is influenced by the feeding substrate provided to the insect, offering the opportunity to boost it to 76% by administering a carbohydrate-rich diet to the larvae (Suryati et al, 2023). 3.…”