Stakeholders Push for Expansion of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Production for Livestock Feed

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s feed industry and the Black Soldier Fly Larvae sector have urged stronger collaboration, investment, and improved policies to support the large-scale production of insect-based protein for animal feed.

The call was made during a national roundtable on Black Soldier Fly Larvae development held at the International Livestock Research Institute in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking at the meeting, the institute’s Country Representative, Dr. Tunde Amole, said black soldier fly larvae can convert organic waste such as market and kitchen refuse into high-protein feed within 10 to 14 days.

He said the larvae contain about 40 to 45 per cent protein and can serve as an alternative ingredient in poultry, fish, and pig feed when produced sustainably.

Amole noted that interest from feed manufacturers is increasing but supply remains limited. He added that Nigeria’s tropical climate and the availability of organic waste support year-round production.

Also speaking, a Senior Scaling and Innovation Expert at the institute’s headquarters in Nairobi, Dr. Ijudai Jasada, said fragmentation within the BSFL value chain continues to slow expansion of the sector.

He said efforts are underway to establish a national coordination platform to strengthen collaboration, attract investment, and support long-term development.

Participants at the meeting agreed that the International Livestock Research Institute should lead the effort to create the platform.

They also identified challenges including gaps in regulation, high production costs, and limited access to equipment and financing.

Stakeholders added that Nigeria’s large volume of organic waste presents an opportunity to expand insect-based feed production while helping to manage waste.