From Waste to Wealth: How Fly Farming is Building Climate Resilience and Creating Jobs
T
he International Day of Zero Waste is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on a massive problem. Every year we generate 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste globally, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
Without concerted action, by 2050 annual waste generation will climb to 3.8 billion tons – pollution which threatens human health, costs annually the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars, and contributes to the climate change crisis, as well as biodiversity loss.
In Mukurua, an informal settlement of Nairobi, Kenya, with no regular waste collection, GCA is supporting an innovative approach to manage waste and mitigate flash flooding by cultivating black soldier flies to consume organic waste, which would otherwise clog drainage channels.
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of rainfall, exacerbating Mukuru’s problems. Black soldier flies are being bred in large numbers to feed on organic waste. These flies are efficient processors of biodegradable materials, capable of consuming significant amounts of waste quickly. The larvae can process up to ten kilograms of organic waste in just two weeks, leaving behind nutrient-rich manure that can be sold as organic fertilizer. Air-dried larvae are also used as a protein-rich feed for animals, providing an alternative to traditional feed sources.
The fly farming initiative also offers economic benefits. Demand for the manure produced by the larvae has increased due to rising fertilizer prices as a result of global factors, including war and the long tail effects of the Covid pandemic. The fly farms provide employment opportunities for local youth, addressing Kenya’s high unemployment rate.
Elsewhere in Africa, black soldier fly solutions are bringing sustainable solutions while adding economic value and creating jobs. In Ghana, West African Feeds specializes in insect-based protein using black soldier fly larvae to decompose organic waste. The company, founded by Rose Oduro, is working with Netherlands-based companies to develop an innovative farming system called the EntoBox, a technology designed to efficiently farm black soldier flies.
CEO Rose, a winner of GCA’s YouthAdapt Challenge in 2022, said: “We provide farmers with additional income while reducing harmful waste practices. This process has allowed us to lower the cost of animal feed by 30%, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional feeds.”
“We also have a brand called KemProtein, under which we produce dog treats made from Black Soldier Fly larvae. These treats are sold primarily at the Green Butterfly Market. Additionally, we were recently awarded a grant from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in partnership with TNO and NGN. This grant is being used to further refine and pilot the EntoBox system, supporting our mission to create cost-effective and sustainable solutions in the feed industry.”
Rose is passionate about the business. “I started my journey with a deep desire to address the challenges posed by climate change and food security. I saw the immense potential in transforming waste into valuable resources—an idea that aligned with both my background and my vision for a more resilient future.
“As I look ahead, I see a future where businesses like ours play a pivotal role in shaping more sustainable agricultural practices. By integrating circular economy principles, we can create solutions that not only reduce environmental harm but also uplift communities.
“The work we’re doing, whether it’s providing farmers with additional income streams through waste-to-value programs or lowering the cost of feed for animal farmers, will help build stronger, more resilient economies.
“I am driven by the idea that we can leave behind a legacy of sustainable development—one that equips communities with the tools they need to adapt and thrive in the face of future challenges.”
The work of Frank Mugisha, CEO of Akatale on Cloud, has been recognised through multiple awards, including as a YouthAdapt Challenge winner in 2022. “Our waste-to-value approach transforms organic waste into organic fertilizers, protein-rich livestock feeds for sustainable farming, biopolymers for sustainable packaging, and biodiesel for clean energy.
“The importance of BSF farming lies in its efficiency and environmental impact. Our modified BSF larvae consume large amounts of organic waste within five days, significantly reducing waste volume while providing high-quality protein for animal feed and nutrient-rich organic fertilizers for agriculture. This approach contributes to climate resilience by enhancing soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, and providing a sustainable alternative protein source for livestock farmers.”
As cities worldwide face increased flooding due to climate change, innovative solutions like fly farming are gaining attention. While wealthy Global North economies are investing in infrastructure upgrades to combat flooding, low-cost, nature-based solutions like fly farming offer promising alternatives to developing countries.
On the International Day of Zero Waste, GCA sends its best wishes and continuing support to the many pioneers of the Green Economy who are making positive contributions to their communities and economies. They are an example for the world to follow!
The ideas presented in this article aim to inspire adaptation action – they are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Global Center on Adaptation.
