The Insects4Feed Impact Cluster, initiated in 2021, has become a transformative force in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and a dynamic consortium of Netherlands businesses/social enterprises and Nigerian companies, knowledge and research institutes. The initiative leverages the potential of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming to address food security, waste management, and employment creation. This innovative project exemplifies how science and entrepreneurship can converge to create a sustainable, circular agricultural model.
The consortium of Netherlands businesses/social enterprises and Nigerian companies, knowledge and research institutes included:
- NGN Pro Active (Netherlands)
- ProEnto (Netherlands)
- SingleSpark (Netherlands)
- University of Ibadan (Nigeria)
- Nigerian Breweries (Nigeria)
- Quality Insects for Feed & Food Association of Nigeria (QIFFAN)
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-Business Incubation Platform (IITA-BIP, Nigeria)
Beeld: © RVO
Group photo of the first cohort
A visionary beginning
The cluster began with a bold vision: to integrate BSF farming into Nigeria’s feed industry as a sustainable and high-protein alternative. Early achievements included the refurbishment of the input and insect screening centre at the University of Ibadan and the establishment of a demo farm at IITA. These facilities became the epicentres for knowledge transfer, practical training, and entrepreneurship development, laying a solid foundation for the project’s goals.
"We set out to create a model for sustainable feed production in Nigeria and have exceeded expectations," said Prof. A.A. Omoloye, Principal Investigator at the University of Ibadan.
Empowering entrepreneurs and building businesses
The Insects4Feed project has trained over 50 entrepreneurs across three cohorts, equipping them with the technical and business skills needed to succeed in BSF farming. As a result, 12 small-scale BSF businesses have been established, and a BSF cooperative society, registered with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission, now produces and supports entrepreneurs by pooling resources and advocating for their interests with the Quality Insects for Feed & Food Association of Nigeria (QIFFAN).
The impact cluster expresses deep appreciation to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, for his unwavering support which has been instrumental in transforming the Agribusiness Incubation Centre (AIC) into a vibrant hub for innovation, mentoring, and technical support for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) entrepreneurs.
Once dormant, the revitalized AIC now plays a pivotal role in advancing the Insects4Feed initiative and fostering impactful career pathways for its graduates, who are excelling as insect farm managers and contributing to research and development.
Central to this transformation is the Orange House, an Insect and Input Screening Centre which was set-up through the project, which has become a cornerstone of academic and entrepreneurial growth. This advanced facility has provided training for over 230 BSc and MSc students from the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biodiversity (UI), equipping them with hands-on experience in sustainable insect farming.
Through this technical exposure, students not only deepen their theoretical knowledge but also acquire the practical skills needed to innovate and thrive in the emerging insect agribusiness sector.
Dr. Thomas Kehinde a senior faculty member at UI remarks, "the project has fostered strong institutional ties, attracting new student interest and scaling the capacity-building efforts of lecturers to empower the next generation of experts".
Adding to its legacy, the project facilitated the official adoption of BSF larvae as a feed ingredient in the FeedCalculator app, making it a viable option for self-mixers and small to medium-scale farmers across Nigeria. This breakthrough ensures that BSF protein becomes accessible to a broader market, promoting its integration into the livestock and poultry feed value chain.
"Joining this program changed my perspective on farming. I never imagined that insects could be a sustainable business," shared one entrepreneur.
Innovative partnerships and collaborative knowledge sharing
A key strength of the Insects4Feed Impact Cluster lies in its partnerships. Collaborations with stakeholders such as the Oyo State Government, ILRI, and Nigeria Breweries have expanded the project’s reach and impact. For example, Oyo State has integrated insect farming into its agricultural roadmap, highlighting the potential of BSF as a game-changer for livestock feed production.
Through masterclasses, workshops, and webinars, the project has engaged over 300 stakeholders, creating a community of practice that includes a WhatsApp group of 250 BSF farmers. These platforms serve as vital resources for troubleshooting, sharing best practices, and fostering innovation.
Resilience in the face of challenges
The journey was not without hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged academic strikes caused delays in research, training, and infrastructure development. However, the cluster demonstrated resilience, accelerating activities and strengthening partnerships to maintain momentum and achieve its objectives.
Beeld: © NGN
Impact stories: transforming lives and livelihoods
1. From Trainee to Supplier: A Life Transformed by BSF Farming
Temitope Ojelere, one of the cluster’s early trainees, embodies the success of the Insects4Feed initiative. Trained in BSF farming techniques at the IITA Demo Farm and Agribusiness Incubation Centre, she leveraged her newfound expertise to establish her own larvae production business. Today, Temitope supplies high-quality BSF larvae to farmers across her region, providing a sustainable and affordable feed ingredient. Her business employs two staff members and processes organic waste from local markets, contributing to environmental sustainability.
"Before this program, I had no idea how to start a business in agriculture. Now, I not only run my own business but also support local farmers by providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional feed,” Temitope shared.
Beeld: © RVO
Madam Temitope in her farm
2. A Fish Farmer’s Success: Cutting Costs and Boosting Sustainability
Akeem Akere, a catfish farmer in Oyo State, represents the downstream impact of BSF integration. After attending a workshop organized by Insects4Feed, Akeem incorporated BSF larvae into his fish feed mix using the FeedCalculator app. This change reduced his production costs by an impressive 30%, enabling him to expand his operations.
"Using BSF larvae in my feed not only cuts costs but also improves the health of my fish,” Akeem explained. "This has been a game-changer for my business, especially with rising feed prices."
His success has inspired other farmers in the region, creating a ripple effect that extends the benefits of the Insects4Feed initiative.
3. Transforming Dreams into Reality: Emmanuel Akinwale's Journey
Emmanuel Akinwale, an aspiring entrepreneur passionate about Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, faced repeated setbacks in launching his business due to a lack of practical knowledge and skills. Despite attending several online and onsite training programs, he found himself unprepared to translate theory into action.
Everything changed when Emmanuel discovered the Insects4Feed incubation program. Initially sceptical, he joined the program expecting it to be like his previous experiences. However, he was soon captivated by the program’s comprehensive approach.
'The hands-on training was the game-changer, bridging the gap between knowledge and practical application.'
The blend of well-structured content, expert facilitators, and, most importantly, intensive hands-on training provided him with the skills and confidence he had been seeking. Reflecting on his journey, Emmanuel shared that the hands-on training was the game-changer, bridging the gap between knowledge and practical application.
Through the Insects4Feed program, his long-held dream of establishing a thriving BSF enterprise has become a reality. Today, he stands as a testament to how targeted, skill-based interventions can empower entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Beeld: © RVO
Emmanuel at his farm
A lasting legacy and future plans
As the project approaches its conclusion in 2025, its legacy is evident in the vibrant ecosystem of BSF producers, empowered entrepreneurs, and a sustainable feed industry it has cultivated.
Looking ahead, the cluster plans to expand BSF farming clubs to campuses, refine its business models, and explore new collaborations, ensuring its impact continues to grow.
"From a vision to reality, Insects4Feed has shown what’s possible when science meets entrepreneurship," reflected Marian Peters (CEO-NGN). "This is just the beginning of a brighter future for sustainable agriculture in Nigeria."
The Insects4Feed Impact Cluster is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing global challenges, proving that even the smallest creatures—like insects—can drive monumental change.