Introduction
The African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) Kenya Country Office in Egerton University organized a grassroots training on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) rearing for poultry feeds. The training was conducted from September 8 to September 12, 2025, at the Kosawo Community Hall in Kondele, Kisumu County.
Black Soldier Fly technology is a sustainable innovation that addresses two major challenges: organic waste management and affordable protein production for livestock. By converting organic waste into nutrient-rich larvae, BSF rearing provides a cost-effective source of poultry feed and organic fertilizer. The training was designed to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations (CBOs) to adopt this technology as part of their ongoing efforts in sustainable farming and income generation.
Needs Assessment / Baseline Survey
A baseline survey was conducted in August 2025 among members of the Flamingo Village Community-Based Organization (CBO). The survey assessed participants’ prior knowledge of insect farming, their existing practices in poultry feed sourcing, and their challenges with waste management. Results indicated a high dependency on commercial poultry feeds, which are expensive and sometimes inaccessible. Waste management was also identified as a growing concern in urban Kisumu. These findings informed the training curriculum, ensuring it addressed both the technical and socio-economic needs of the participants.
Participants and Beneficiaries
The training brought together 20 members of the Flamingo Village CBO, comprising men and women actively engaged in urban agriculture. The CBO is involved in goat and poultry rearing, vegetable farming, and waste management initiatives, positioning them as direct beneficiaries of the BSF technology. Indirect beneficiaries include the wider Kisumu community, which stands to gain from improved waste management practices and increased access to affordable poultry feed. The training also aimed to build a pool of local champions who can cascade the knowledge to other community members.
Training Location and Duration
The five-day training was held at the Kosawo Community Hall in Kondele, Kisumu County, from September 8–12, 2025. This central location was accessible to participants and allowed for both classroom-based sessions and field visits. The choice of venue was strategic in fostering community ownership and enabling participation from diverse members of the CBO.
Training Details
The training combined theory, practice, and field exposure:
Opening Ceremony: The event was inaugurated by Mr. Jeffrey Bongo, Sub-County Agricultural Officer, and Ms. Agnes Akinyi, Assistant Chief of Manyatta ‘A’ sub-location. Their presence highlighted the importance of government support in community-led agricultural innovations.
Course Content: Participants received instruction on the biology of BSF, waste management principles, construction of BSF rearing units, larval production, and harvesting techniques. Sessions also included discussions on business opportunities in BSF farming and its integration into existing poultry production systems.
Practical Sessions: Hands-on exercises included designing BSF rearing structures, preparing organic substrates, and managing different growth stages of the larvae.
Field Visit: On the final day, participants toured a BSF farm in Nyalenda to observe operational systems in practice. This exposure enhanced their confidence and provided a model for replication.
Facilitation: The training was led by Ms. Charity Kelsey, a resource person from Egerton University, who guided participants through both technical and entrepreneurial aspects of BSF farming.
Evaluation: Participant feedback indicated high satisfaction with the course content, delivery, and facilitation. Most participants expressed readiness to begin BSF rearing at the household and community levels.
Closing Ceremony: Held on September 12, 2025, the ceremony was graced by Mr. Jeffrey Bonyo (representing the County Director for Agriculture), Ms. Agnes Akinyi, and Prof. Josephine Ouma, Director of AICAD Kenya Country Office. Certificates of participation were awarded to all trainees.
Conclusion
The training successfully enhanced community capacity in sustainable poultry feed production and waste management. By equipping the Flamingo Village CBO with BSF rearing skills, the initiative is expected to reduce poultry feed costs, create income opportunities, and promote environmental sustainability in Kisumu County. AICAD will continue to provide technical backstopping and explore possibilities for scaling the intervention across other regions.
