Research need
This small research activity supports a set of discrete but inter-related activities that will strengthen icipe–Pacific partnerships and progress capacity development to foster the establishment of black soldier fly farming in Vanuatu.
Poultry, fish and pigs a source of food, income, insurance against emergencies and employment in the Pacific region. However, like other regions of the world, the availability and affordability of livestock feed – particularly protein– constrain Pacific livestock sectors reaching their full potential.
Since 2015, ACIAR has supported icipe and partners in innovative research on the bioconversion of organic wastes into nutrient and protein-rich biomass for animal feed and fertiliser. The success in eastern Africa of mass rearing insects on organic waste is potentially transferrable to integrated livestock and cropping systems in the Pacific.
With a growing population Vanuatu is under pressure to meet rising food demand and manage increasing organic waste. A successful black solider fly enterprise will alleviate the need for imported stock feed for livestock industries and utilise the organic waste resource. This project will identify opportunities and challenges for black soldier fly farming in Vanuatu with stakeholder surveys, resource mapping, literature review and onsite training opportunities in Kenya.
