Introduction:
In the heart of Machakos County, fish farmers are grappling with a persistent challenge that threatens the growth of aquaculture: the high cost and limited availability of quality fish feeds. Despite the region’s growing interest in fish farming as a source of nutrition and income, many small-scale producers find themselves priced out of commercial feeds, which often account for over 60% of production costs. The reliance on imported ingredients and centralized manufacturing has created a supply chain that is both expensive and inaccessible for rural farmers. As a result, feed-related constraints continue to stifle productivity, profitability, and the promise of aquaculture as a pathway to food security and economic empowerment.
The adoption of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology is transforming aquaculture by offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for fish feed production. Recent studies have highlighted the remarkable potential of BSF (Hermetia illucens) as an eco-friendly high-protein source sustainable alternative to conventional azolla fish feed, particularly suited for aquaculture systems. Renowned for their efficiency in decomposing organic waste, BSF larvae, commonly known as maggots can convert a wide array of biodegradable materials into high-quality protein.
This innovative approach is gaining momentum among both small- and large-scale fish farmers, driven by its affordability, environmental benefits, and capacity to reduce reliance on conventional feed inputs. By integrating BSF into aquaculture value chains, farmers are not only lowering production costs but also contributing to circular economy practices that enhance sustainability across the sector.
Machakos County Government has emerged at the forefront in insect-based protein farming. With the growing demand for sustainable animal feed, the County Government through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Development in partnership the Aquaculture Business Development Program (ABDP), has promoted BSF farming as an innovative solution for waste management, fish feed production, and youth employment. This initiative has not only improved fish farming & livestock nutrition but also contributed to environmental sustainability by recycling organic waste.
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