BBEST Project train Kinshasa vegetable farmers on organic fertilizer production

7 February 2025

Vegetable farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are building their capacity in the production of organic fertilizer under the IITA BSF for Bio Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability (IITA-BBEST) Project, in partnership with the National Institute for Agronomic Study and Research (INERA). A practical training workshop for 50 people, including 24 men and 26 women was organized on 6 January 2025, at the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN) to equip these agripreneurs with knowledge on the production of organic fertilizer from the Black Soldier Fly residue (frass). This training is part of implementing the (BSF for Bio Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability) IITA-BBEST Project, the activities funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).

This workshop was structured in two parts. The first part focused on rearing the black soldier fly (BSF) with a general overview of its origin and some fundamental characteristics of the species that make it a good candidate for rearing without risk for humans and animals. These characteristics are the expansion of the species throughout the intertropical zone despite its American origin, its wealth in proteins and lipids, making it an extremely interesting alternative source of feed for different livestock sectors (chickens, fish, and pigs), and its harmlessness to humans (i.e., does not bite).

It was highlighted that using BSF larvae for animal nutrition and organic fertilizers from livestock farming for market gardening is an innovative and sustainable solution that offers farmers an effective way to reduce costs while increasing their productivity. Also, integrating black soldier fly larvae and organic fertilizer into agriculture helps to preserve the environment.

After the explanations on breeding the black soldier fly, the participants visited the black soldier fly larvae production unit to follow the different rearing stages, starting with the collection of waste and ending with obtaining the fly, including the collection of eggs, pre-pupae, and pupae.

The second part of the workshop was to train the participants on using organic fertilizers from the larvae of the black soldier fly. It was mentioned that the residues obtained after the digestion of organic matter by the larvae constitute a rich fertilizer and can be used after composting as an organic amendment to fertilize crops. It was recalled that organic fertilizer makes it possible to grow healthier vegetables and reduce the ecological footprint. Participants were advised to opt for these agroecological practices to ensure sustainable management of their resources by reducing chemical inputs. The participants visited some flower beds made and fertilized with the black soldier fly larvae organic fertilizer at the University of Kinshasa.

Eight members of the IITA BBEST project beneficiaries in Kinshasa participated in this workshop to increase their knowledge. These include two members of the Agricultural Cooperative of the Center of Kimbanseke (COOPACEK), two members of the Agricultural Cooperative of the Center Maraicher of N’djili (COOPACEN), two members of the Association of Fish Farmers for Development in Congo (APIDEC) and two members of the Judith farm.

This training ended with the presentation of a certificate to each participant.

Contributed by Claude Bahati and Francisca Ocloo