SIFLOOP Hub – Sustainable Insect-Based Feed & Food Loop (BSF Farming)

The Challenge

Fish farming in Taita Taveta County holds immense potential, yet production currently sits at only 175 tons annually against a demand of 1,578 tons. A major barrier is the high cost of fish feed, which has forced 350 out of 1,000 existing fish ponds to remain inactive. Additionally, reliance on conventional fishmeal contributes to overfishing, while plant-based alternatives like soy drive deforestation. The region requires a sustainable, cost-effective solution to close the gap between feed costs and farm productivity.

The Solution

MAZIDO International, in consortium with Taita Taveta University and Three o’clock (France), is implementing the SIFLOOP Hub (Sustainable Insect-Based Feed and Food Loop). This circular economy initiative introduces Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) farming to the region. The project implements a strategy that includes:

• Circular Technology: Converting locally sourced organic waste into high-protein insect biomass for fish feed and organic fertilizer.
• Innovation Hub: Establishing a Local Innovation Hub (LIH) site in Voi to demonstrate closed-loop farming systems.
• Capacity Building: Running business upskilling programs for women, youth, and entrepreneurs to professionalize the insect-feed value chain.

Targeted Impact

Over the 48-month project duration, the initiative targets the following key milestones to revolutionize local aquaculture:

20% Lower Feed Costs

The project aims to reduce fish feed prices by at least 20% by producing BSFL-based feed locally. This cost reduction is designed to reactivate dormant fish ponds and boost local food security.

150 Farmers Upskilled

The hub intends to train 150 fish farmers and entrepreneurs. The training focuses specifically on empowering women and youth with skills in insect breeding, feed formulation, and business management.

50% Waste Conversion

The initiative seeks to implement a closed-loop system capable of converting 50% of locally available organic waste into valuable protein and fertilizer, significantly reducing the region’s environmental footprint.

50+ Jobs Created

The project projects to create or improve over 50 jobs and support the launch or upgrade of 10 agribusinesses, fostering a resilient local economy built on sustainable practices.