Palm Weevil Larvae: The Surprising Insect Revolutionizing Livestock Feed in Nigeria

As the cost of animal feed continues to rise, putting immense pressure on Nigeria’s poultry and fish farmers, a surprising solution is gaining ground—one that comes from deep within palm trees: the palm weevil larva.

Source: bugsfeed

Mr. Smart Chukwudi, the Chief Executive Officer of Smart360 Farms Limited in Ogun State, is at the forefront of this growing movement. He says the larvae, rich in protein and nutrients, are quickly becoming a reliable alternative not only for livestock feed but also for human consumption. What was once seen as a local delicacy is now emerging as a lifeline in agriculture.

Chukwudi notes that the high cost of conventional feed has driven up prices across the livestock sector. He explains that farmers are struggling to cope, with the price of a single chicken now reaching as high as N50,000. But with palm weevil larvae, he believes, farmers can significantly reduce their feed expenses without sacrificing nutrition. On his farm, he cultivates the larvae and also trains others to do the same, pointing to a thriving market that is currently struggling to meet growing demand. He says the demand is coming not only from people who eat the larvae but also from producers who use them as a base for animal feed.

The process, according to Chukwudi, is straightforward. The larvae can be harvested, dried or roasted, then ground into a powder and mixed with a small portion of commercial feed to create a nutritious blend for poultry or fish. It is an efficient and natural method that is both cost-saving and effective in maintaining animal health.

As the country faces increasing food prices and a widening gap in protein access, palm weevil larvae are positioning themselves as a promising alternative. Chukwudi emphasizes that the larvae are not only protein-rich but also packed with essential nutrients, including healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. With zinc content reportedly twice that of beef, they present a potent supplement that addresses both nutritional and economic needs.

Beyond affordability, experts say the use of palm weevil larvae in feed production may reduce the reliance on antibiotics in poultry farming, promoting healthier meat and safer food options for consumers. The implications go beyond cost-cutting—they touch on public health and long-term food sustainability.

Nigeria’s rapidly growing population has added urgency to the challenge of maintaining an adequate and affordable food supply. With traditional protein sources like soybean becoming increasingly expensive, producers are in desperate need of alternatives that are not only effective but also sustainable. Chukwudi believes palm weevil larvae fit that need perfectly, offering a solution that is accessible to both small-scale and large-scale farmers.

Though these larvae have been part of local diets for generations in many West African communities—especially in regions battling iron deficiency—the idea of farming them commercially is still relatively new. But that may soon change.

If the current trend continues, one of the country’s most overlooked insects may soon emerge as a vital piece in solving Nigeria’s food security puzzle. For Chukwudi, this is more than just innovation—it’s a necessity. He sees palm weevil larvae not merely as insects, but as a key to survival for farmers and families alike in an increasingly uncertain economy.