Black Soldier Fly Innovation Hub – Insect Farming: Black soldier fly rearing
This project aims to establish a Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Innovation Hub in northern Uganda, providing a sustainable solution for organic waste management and animal feed production. The key objectives are to train more than 100 local entrepreneurs and farmers in BSF farming, further develop the pilot production facility at Gulu University, undertake economic feasibility studies, and support the development of 5-10 new BSF businesses.
TRIAS will lead the project, focusing on business development and market access. Thomas More will develop training materials, feasibility assessments, and learning modules. Gulu University and TRIAS will deliver training, ensuring hands-on learning and business coaching. Gulu University will also host the pilot BSF facility, focusing on research and environmental monitoring (CO₂/NH₃ emissions)
The expected outcomes include a 60% waste conversion rate, lower feed costs (30-40% savings for farmers), and the creation of new decent jobs in the circular economy (SDGs 8), particularly for the marginalised and vulnerable groups, including the landless youth, the elderly and women, ensuring gender equality (SDG 5). By promoting insect farming as a sustainable food system, the project will alleviate poverty (SDG 1), strengthen food security (SDG 2), reduce environmental impact,contributing to climate change mitigation (SDGs 12 and 13), and serve as a replicable model for other regions in Africa.
Results
The second phase (Months 4-8) will focus on training and pilot operations. By Month 6, at least 50 farmers and entrepreneurs will have completed the BSF training. Business coaching and market access support will also begin, helping participants develop at least five business plans to prepare for commercial BSF farming. A mid-term progress report will be submitted as the second mandatory deliverable.
In the final phase (Months 8-12), the project will focus on scaling and impact evaluation. By the end of the year, at least 5-10 new BSF businesses will be operational. An impact assessment will measure key outcomes such as waste conversion rates, feed cost reduction, and business viability, ensuring that the project’s approach is effective and scalable. The final mandatory deliverable will be a comprehensive implementation report, summarising the results and outlining a roadmap for further expansion.
These deliverables will ensure that the project meets its goals, creating economic opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, reducing waste, and strengthening local food systems in Uganda.
