• Sector : Waste Management & Agriculture
  • Location : Kenya
Black Soldier Fly

Overview

The SCF is providing Technical Assistance (TA) for Biobuu, an east African Black Soldier Fly (BSF) company that is looking to expand its activities across the continent. The project addresses Waste Management issues in Kenya with expected impact on greenhouse gases emissions.

As highlighted in our BSF market study, the insect is a promising organic waste treatment method and a potentially significant source of protein for feedstock.

The Challenge

Waste management in Kenya is a significant challenge, with the country grappling with issues related to improper disposal and inadequate infrastructure. In recent years, Kenya has experienced a rapid increase in waste generation due to population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns. The lack of comprehensive waste management systems has led to environmental degradation, health hazards and 1.4 million tonnes of CO2e emissions in 2019 alone. Efforts have been made to address these challenges, with initiatives such as the National Solid Waste Management Strategy and the establishment of waste recycling plants. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still a work in progress, and the country continues to face hurdles in waste collection, segregation, and disposal.

At the same time, feeding a growing population is becoming even more challenging. The production of meat necessitates substantial resources. For example, to generate 1 kilogram of meat, it requires anywhere from 2 to 7 kilograms of feed, depending on the type of livestock. The cultivation of this feed leads to extensive deforestation, endangering various species. In 2010, agricultural production constituted 70% of global freshwater consumption, with over half of this allocation directed towards livestock feed. Studies indicate that, given the current consumption patterns, there won’t be sufficient freshwater resources available to irrigate croplands for feeding the projected populations in 2050. Chickens, pigs, and farmed fish, which constitute significant portions of meat production, rely on feeds with high protein content. Presently, this protein is sourced from soy or fish meal, both of which deplete natural resources and are consumed at an unsustainable rate. BSF protein is a much more sustainable source.

SCF’s Involvement

Technical Assistance

In the context of the SCF, the Technical Assistance Facility has approved grants for:

  • A pre-feasibility study on potential market, buyers, necessary processing in the pharmaceuticals market using BSF chitin and oil.
  • 4 feasibility studies:
    • Study for 3 new sites in East Africa
    • Design recipe with ideal nutrition for dog food with BSF Larvaes
    • Organic Fertiliser Study
    • Research on-site to increase the breeding and feeding rates of the BSF larvae.

Our Target Impact

Through this project, we expect to reduce GHG emissions and contribute to more sustainable communities.

  • SDG 13 Climate Action

    SDG 13 Climate Action

    Use of waste in a BSF based bioconversion system reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50x compared with natural decomposition (EAWAG 2019).

    BSF products have lower emissions as a feed product compared with soy meal.

    BioBuu’s processing facilities in Kenya will be partially powered by solar. Biobuu will select sites with ideal climate condition to avoid dependency on energy input into the facilities or, if needed, it will select sites where the grid is greener.

  • SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    Currently, Biobuu has 20 staff employed full-time in its facilities in Kenya and Tanzania. The proposed three additonal sites will create 90 new jobs for the local community.

  • SDG 5 Gender Equality

    SDG 5 Gender Equality

    n BioBuu’s current sites, gender balance (M:F) varies between 60:40 and 90:10. In the past, BioBuu has found it hard to motivate women to work with waste. In accordance with SCF Gender Policy, Biobuu will implement measures at all sites to work towards a 50:50 balance.

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