In Summary

• Most of the insects feed on organic matter that include kitchen waste, which is then converted to good compost and later used for farming.
• This in fact conserves biodiversity since only a few insects are collected and from the number, one does mass production.
• Black soldier fly larvae contain high levels of crude protein that can be used to substitute protein in pig, chicken, dairy and fish feeds, thus reducing the use of fish meal and the soya bean used in conventional feeds.
• To reduce the terrifying mentality of eating insects wholly, they can be ground into powder and added to food, stew, porridge or incorporated in cakes, cookies and chocolates.

Many farmers are eager to get into insect-rearing, where does one start?

One should get knowledge and training on the insects they would like to keep. Icipe offers training in insect-rearing and offers starter pack (live insects) to trainees. We also do a follow-up to ensure farmers improve on their production.

Insect farming requires little space as one keeps them in small buckets and basins. Most of the insects feed on organic matter that include kitchen waste, which is then converted to good compost and later used for farming.

In contrast to animals and crops, which take longer to mature, insects take a maximum of two months to be ready for harvest.