Insect Farming for feed and fertilizer in Zambia

The agriculture sector is a key economic factor in Zambia and many other countries in Africa and contributes substantially to the country’s GDP. However, due to limited access to affordable feed and fertilizer coupled with Climate Change, farmers who rely heavily on seasonal rains, and cannot afford feed and fertilizer are unable to produce good harvests which in turn affects their livelihoods. The ever-increasing amount of waste with a daily rate of about 2,700 tonnes is a growing cause of concern. To curb this, the solution at Entomo Farm located at Sub Division H/Lot 57, Palabana, Chongwe District, is to turn food waste into a sustainable, organic and inexpensive livestock feed and fertilizer and food options for small and medium livestock and aquaculture farmers through Black Soldier Fly farming. Transformation of waste into high-value end products has potential to create economic opportunities, increase food security and reduce the negative environmental impact. Insect farming, although relatively new to Zambia can and will help contribute positively to SDG’s 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 13, which in turn will assist the country fulfill its pledge of reducing Green House Gas emissions by 25% by 2030. In 2021, Entomo Farm constructed its insectarium and began prototyping and in 2022, the company commenced feed and feed base production and have a working minimum viable product. The company is currently testing with a few paying clients who are mainly into chicken and fish farming. This Project is highly profitable and expected to start generating profit from the first year of operation, with net profit margins rising from 30% in year 1 to 40% in year 5. The company needs funds for infrastructure and equipment for a new product line to include small pet food, training, research and development, additional labour, marketing/advertising and branding estimated at US$2.8 million. This project is open to FDI either through a minority stake or establishing a joint venture.

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