Fish farmers trained in black soldier fly production to cut feed costs
Scientific research has shown that BSF larvae, rich in protein and essential nutrients, can significantly enhance fish growth while reducing the overall cost of feed
MUKONO, October 30, 2025 — The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa [ASARECA] has conducted hands-on training for fish farmers, equipping them with skills in the production of black soldier fly [BSF] larvae — a highly nutritious and cost-effective feed for aquatic species.
Scientific research has shown that BSF larvae, rich in protein and essential nutrients, can significantly enhance fish growth while reducing the overall cost of feed. The innovation holds great promise for scaling up sustainable aquaculture across Uganda.
The recent training at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MUZARDI) attracted representatives from leading fish farming cooperatives, individual farmers, agro-input dealers, and extension workers drawn from the Lake Victoria Crescent Aquaculture Innovation Platform, which spans Mukono, Buikwe, and Wakiso districts.
The initiative aims to address the high cost of conventional fish feed by promoting BSF-based formulations that improve productivity and reduce environmental waste.
Maxwell Onapa, Commissioner for Entomology at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], commended the initiative as timely, given the escalating prices of animal feeds.
“This is what makes the integration of BSF production into our animal feed systems so important,” he said.
ASARECA’s research highlights BSF larvae as an alternative protein source offering a climate-smart and circular economy solution for smallholder farmers. The larvae convert organic waste into high-value protein, cutting feed costs and mitigating pollution.
Participants received training in BSF breeding, fish feed formulation, and the construction of BSF production units. They also visited the Centre for Insect Research and Development [CIRD] in Kawanda, Wakiso district, one of the region’s leading demonstration sites for insect-based feed technologies.
Dr Joshua Okonya, ASARECA’s Programme Officer for Technology Adoption and Innovation, emphasised that the training is central to the organisation’s mission of transforming agriculture and improving livelihoods across its 15 member countries.
“The challenges of climate change and food security in East and Central Africa demand innovative, community-driven solutions. That is why we are here today, focusing on integrating insect and fish farming for smallholder farmers,” he said.
The activity contributes to wider regional efforts to scale up gender-responsive and climate-smart innovations under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme ex-Pillar 4 [CAADP-XP4] project. This initiative strengthens agricultural innovation systems, builds multi-stakeholder partnerships, and promotes investment in climate-resilient food systems.
The training also prioritises the inclusion of women and youth, encouraging their participation in aquaculture innovation platforms and the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Expected outcomes include greater uptake of BSF technology, improved farmer knowledge in sustainable feed production, and stronger collaboration across the Lake Victoria Crescent Aquaculture network.
Each participant will receive a BSF starter kit to establish community-level production units, boosting aquaculture productivity, rural incomes, and food system resilience across Uganda.
The training forms part of ASARECA’s implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, funded by the European Union through the IFAD-managed DeSIRA initiative and the ACP Innovation Fund.
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