Characterization of black soldier fly production systems and traits preferences in Kenya

TY - ABST

T1 - Characterization of black soldier fly production systems and traits preferences in Kenya

AU - Cheruiyot Bett , Rawlynce

AU - Gebreyesus, Grum

AU - Maweu, Annastacia

AU - Nkirote Kunyanga , Catherine

AU - Abigael, Nuna

AU - Philip, Tare

AU - Geoffrey, Ssepuuya

AU - MBI Tanga, Chrysantus

AU - Sahana, Goutam

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - The purpose of this study was to characterize Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production systems andidentify the traits prioritized by BSF farmers. A survey was conducted using questionnaires on54 respondents from selected farms in Kenya. The variables examined consisted of the socioeconomicinformation of the farmers, BSF production and post-harvest handling, marketing,trait preferences, and farming constraints. The findings revealed that a significant proportionof farmers that keep BSF are in the middle age category (48.15%) and have tertiary education(62.96%). Additionally, most farmers involved in BSF farming were males (72.22%) with 1-2years of experience. Farmers cited many reasons for keeping BSF, which included using it asanimal feed (79.63%), earning income from the sale of fertilizer (frass) and utilizing organicwaste on the farm (64.81%), producing organic fertilizer for the farm (59.26%), and sellingbreeding stock (57.41%). The farmers obtained their initial BSF breeding stock from otherfarmers (53.70%), institutions (24.93%), and the wild (1.85%). BSF operations were primarilyconducted in screen houses, with a strong preference for vertical raising systems. The use ofoff-farm substrate (market waste) for raising larvae is a common practice among farmers. Itis preferred due to its accessibility and ability to provide better yields. The optimal substratewas finely shredded and fed to larvae in plastic basins. The depletion of food in containersdetermined the frequency of feeding. Three weeks after inoculation, farmers typically harvestthe larvae using a sieve and basin. Farmers who choose to store larvae typically opt for adry form with minimal packaging. Most farmers (70.38%) choose not to sell BSF products,either in person or online, because of the changing needs of the market and the absence of awell-established customer base. Farmers proposed enhancing partnerships to address thesechallenges. The most preferred traits by farmers are the number/volume of eggs laid, theproportion of eggs laid that hatch, and the growth and size/length of the larvae. High proteincontent was preferred for larvae, while the importance of fat content was relatively lower. Theemphasis on the importance of BSF's ability to adapt to different climatic conditions wasevident, with temperature and humidity variations identified as key factors. In addition, theprolonged longevity of the flies was preferred by most farmers. Constraints faced by farmersinclude inadequate substrate supply, weather fluctuations, limited technical expertise, and alack of government support. Labor problems are also prevalent, with quick hiring of casualsbeing a common strategy. The findings of this study provide a foundation for the developmentof BSF genetic improvement programs incorporating traits of economic importance.

AB - The purpose of this study was to characterize Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production systems andidentify the traits prioritized by BSF farmers. A survey was conducted using questionnaires on54 respondents from selected farms in Kenya. The variables examined consisted of the socioeconomicinformation of the farmers, BSF production and post-harvest handling, marketing,trait preferences, and farming constraints. The findings revealed that a significant proportionof farmers that keep BSF are in the middle age category (48.15%) and have tertiary education(62.96%). Additionally, most farmers involved in BSF farming were males (72.22%) with 1-2years of experience. Farmers cited many reasons for keeping BSF, which included using it asanimal feed (79.63%), earning income from the sale of fertilizer (frass) and utilizing organicwaste on the farm (64.81%), producing organic fertilizer for the farm (59.26%), and sellingbreeding stock (57.41%). The farmers obtained their initial BSF breeding stock from otherfarmers (53.70%), institutions (24.93%), and the wild (1.85%). BSF operations were primarilyconducted in screen houses, with a strong preference for vertical raising systems. The use ofoff-farm substrate (market waste) for raising larvae is a common practice among farmers. Itis preferred due to its accessibility and ability to provide better yields. The optimal substratewas finely shredded and fed to larvae in plastic basins. The depletion of food in containersdetermined the frequency of feeding. Three weeks after inoculation, farmers typically harvestthe larvae using a sieve and basin. Farmers who choose to store larvae typically opt for adry form with minimal packaging. Most farmers (70.38%) choose not to sell BSF products,either in person or online, because of the changing needs of the market and the absence of awell-established customer base. Farmers proposed enhancing partnerships to address thesechallenges. The most preferred traits by farmers are the number/volume of eggs laid, theproportion of eggs laid that hatch, and the growth and size/length of the larvae. High proteincontent was preferred for larvae, while the importance of fat content was relatively lower. Theemphasis on the importance of BSF's ability to adapt to different climatic conditions wasevident, with temperature and humidity variations identified as key factors. In addition, theprolonged longevity of the flies was preferred by most farmers. Constraints faced by farmersinclude inadequate substrate supply, weather fluctuations, limited technical expertise, and alack of government support. Labor problems are also prevalent, with quick hiring of casualsbeing a common strategy. The findings of this study provide a foundation for the developmentof BSF genetic improvement programs incorporating traits of economic importance.

M3 - Conference abstract for conference

SP - 23

T2 - Insects for the Green Economy: Sustainable Food<br/>Systems and Livelihoods in Africa

Y2 - 28 February 2024 through 29 February 2024

ER -