How insects are transforming Nigeria’s poultry and agriculture sectors
Nigeria embraces innovative solutions to address challenges, such as food security, organic waste management and youth employment. The Insects4Feed impact cluster was launched in 2021. The project uses Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming to offer a sustainable, high-protein animal feed alternative. It creates job opportunities and helps manage waste. Dutch company New Generation Nutrition (NGN Pro-Active) is one of the partners in the cluster. Linda Agbotah, International Project Officer at NGN Pro-Active, discusses it's impact.
Goals and methods
Nigeria's poultry and aquaculture sectors rely heavily on expensive imported feed. This is due to a growing population and an increasing demand for animal protein. Production costs are high and prices are unaffordable. It also creates millions of tonnes of organic waste every year. Linda (NGN Pro-Active) explains, "The goal of our impact cluster was to transform Nigeria's feed industry by establishing BSF farming. We wanted to develop a value chain that provides a sustainable source of protein for animal feed. By focusing on affordable and responsible alternatives, the project helps improve food security while reducing poverty and environmental damage."
To develop BSF farming as a practical, scalable business model, we:
- Established a demonstration farm;
- Set up an insect and input screening centre for hands-on training;
- Provided incubation programmes that support and equip students and entrepreneurs with technical and business skills;
- Integrated BSF larvae as a feed ingredient into the FeedCalculator app. This made insect-based feed accessible to animal feed self-mixers and farmers.
The project also partnered with the Agribusiness Incubation Centre at the University of Ibadan. It served as a hub for trained entrepreneurs to start BSF farming at a low cost.
Empowering youth
"One of our goals was to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs by helping them develop entrepreneurial skills and providing access to business opportunities in BSF farming. This way, the project supports job creation and economic growth. We also included small to medium-scale farmers. We did this by offering young entrepreneurs affordable, sustainable feed options. As a result, they no longer have to rely on expensive imports, improving profitability and local food security.
The cluster collaborated with organic waste producers to ensure a steady, low-cost feedstock supply for the BSF larvae. This promoted a circular economy approach that reduces environmental pollution and adds value to agricultural and food processing by-products."
Local knowledge, networks and resources are critical
RVO supported NGN Pro-Active with a project in 2017, that strengthened their network in Nigeria. This also benefitted the Insects4Feed impact cluster.
Linda says, "Local partners were essential to this project. The University of Ibadan provided research expertise and resources for graduated trainees. This support allowed the trainees to set up their farms, which were monitored until they could operate on their own. The Business Incubation Platform of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA-BIP) provided the land for the demo farm. This farm functioned as a centre for stakeholder engagement through open days and as a place of support for trainees. Quality Insects for Food & Feed Association of Nigeria (QIFFAN) led the Oyo State Government's integration of BSF farming into its agricultural roadmap. This led to the official recognition and enlistment of BSF as a livestock feed ingredient. Nigerian Breweries provided farmers with spent grains and brewery yeast, ensuring a steady supply. Local knowledge, networks, and resources from partners were critical to implementation and scaling.
Our contact with local organisations was strong and collaborative. Partnerships with research institutes, universities and organisations, such as the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Catfish Farmers Association (CAFA), facilitated knowledge transfer, innovation and engagement. This enhanced the project's reach and impact."
Strength in numbers
The Insects4Feed project can now share its findings, offering insight into its impact.
Young entrepreneurs and farmers
"The project has trained 70 entrepreneurs (30 men, 40 women) across 3 groups. 44 of them established BSF businesses, employing 250 people. The project also formed a BSF cooperative society, registered with Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission, supporting entrepreneurs by pooling resources", Linda continues.
Since using BSF larvae, farmers' production costs have dropped by 30%. This boosts their profitability and makes catfish and poultry products from BSF affordable.
Local partners
Linda also noticed changes for local partners, like the University of Ibadan and IITA-BIP. They enhanced their entomology capacity and turned the Agribusiness Incubation Centre into a hub for innovation. Nigerian Breweries made progress with its zero-waste goals.
Dutch partners
Dutch partners, such as NGN Pro-Active and ProEnto, gained visibility and expanded into markets like Colombia and Kenya. After adding BSF as a feed ingredient in the Single Spark's FeedCalculator app, it has been used more across many countries, strengthening its market position.
Results
Linda explains, "Our goal was to establish a sustainable BSF farming industry in Nigeria, replacing imported feed and addressing waste management.
The project largely succeeded in this by training entrepreneurs, launching businesses, producing 1,800 tonnes of BSF larvae and integrating them into the feed market. Despite initial delays, it met its main objectives and laid a solid foundation for long-term growth."
Locally-led continuity
The project takes on a locally-driven approach. Local staff and partners ensure training and business support will continue. QIFFAN's Insect User Group and ongoing research collaborations with ILRI, led locally by the University of Ibadan, further support sector growth. They will continue using and improving the system already set up by the project.
Linda's tip for starting entrepreneurs in Colombia
"Entrepreneurs in Colombia should prioritise local partnerships with the government, universities and the private sector.
These partnerships proved vital for success in Nigeria, as they provide context-specific solutions. Collaboration with different partners requires adaptability, clear communication, and making the most of each other'’s strengths."
The role of RVO
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) funded the Insects4Feed impact cluster, enabling the development of infrastructure, training and business incubation. It also facilitated knowledge-sharing and networking, connecting Dutch and Nigerian partners.
Linda concludes, "RVO's support brought credibility, financial stability and expertise to the project. Its role in bringing together organisations with different areas of expertise fostered cross-border collaboration and ensured knowledge sharing. It also made the project more sustainable, acting as a model for Dutch-Nigerian innovation in agriculture."
Find out more
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
