By Albert Oppong-Ansah, GNA Accra, June 25, GNA – A novel agricultural innovation is making waves in Ghana, promising to revolutionize waste management and animal feed production. The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology, introduced by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under its BBEST project, is turning organic waste into valuable resources for poultry, aquaculture, and vegetable farming.
At the recent Channel One Agrifair in Accra, the BBEST project team showcased the BSF life cycle, demonstrating how fruit, vegetable, kitchen, and slaughterhouse waste can be converted into high-protein larvae. This innovation offers a sustainable and locally available alternative to expensive imported fishmeal and soybean meal, according to Mr. Amuetey Nagetey, Interim Production Manager of the BSF Production Unit.
The technology’s benefits extend beyond animal feed. The nutrient-rich residue, known as frass, is an organic fertilizer approved by the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). Mr. Ankrah Twumasi, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Specialist for the project, explained that BSF farming enhances crop production, improves urban sanitation, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching. For instance, Mr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye, CEO of Agri-Impact, sees significant job creation potential, particularly for Ghanaian youth. He expressed interest in partnering with IITA to explore this opportunity further. Meanwhile, Mr. Ali Kwaku Ababio, Director of Prisons in charge of Agriculture, plans to incorporate BSF farming into prison rehabilitation and agriculture programs, aligning with their ongoing poultry and aquaculture production efforts.
As awareness and adoption of BSF farming grow, it is poised to significantly benefit Ghana’s agricultural sector. The technology can reduce dependence on imported feed, improve profitability for poultry farmers, manage organic waste more effectively, and advance the country’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture. Funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), the project is being implemented in Ghana, Mali, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.