From the Field Turning waste into wealth with Black Soldier Fly farming in Uganda

by Jean Claude Rubyogo, Clare Mukankusi, and Fred Kato (Alliance); Pamela Paparu, Allan Nkuboye, and Otim Michael (NARO); Ayuka Fombong (icipe); Paul Aseete (Makerere University); Venansio Tumuhaise (Kyambogo University)

onJuly 22, 2026

From 28–30 May 2026, 25 Ugandan farmers, trainers and officials gathered at Kabanyolo CAEC to learn Black Soldier Fly farming under the BRAINS Project, turning organic waste into animal feed, fertilizer and profitable climate-smart enterprises.

A pile of organic waste may not look like much but hidden within it is the potential to produce animal feed, restore soils, and create thriving rural businesses. This is the promise of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, an emerging climate-smart enterprise that is gaining momentum among farmers in Uganda. That promise came to life during a three-day training on BSF enterprise establishment and management held at the Kabanyolo Climate-Smart Agriculture Education Centre (CAEC) from 28–30 May 2026, where farmer groups from Kaberamaido, Isingiro, and Serere districts learned how to transform organic waste into valuable agricultural products while building profitable and sustainable enterprises.

Organized under the Building Equitable Climate-Resilient African Bean and Insect Sectors (BRAINS) Project and supported by the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP), the training equipped farmers, trainers, and agricultural officers with the technical knowledge and business skills needed to establish and manage profitable BSF enterprises. The event brought together 25 participants, including farmer leaders, trainers of trainers (ToTs), and district agricultural officers—representing 11 enterprises already engaged in BSF production or preparing to commercialize the technology. The training was facilitated by Ento Organic Farm Uganda Ltd, with technical support from experts from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Kyambogo University, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

Turning waste into wealth with Black Soldier Fly farming in Uganda - Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT - Image 1

A solution hiding in plain sight

Speaking during the training, Mr. Julius Mugonza, UCSATP Coordinator for Beneficial Insects, highlighted the multiple benefits of BSF farming across agricultural value chains.

“Black Soldier Fly technology provides farmers with a sustainable source of protein for poultry, fish, and livestock feeds, while also producing frass — a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that improves soil health,” he explained.

Unlike conventional waste management systems where organic waste becomes a disposal challenge, BSF farming turns waste into useful products. The larvae feed on organic materials, including market waste, food leftovers, brewery waste, chicken manure, and other agricultural by-products, converting them into high-value protein feed and organic fertilizer. Beyond reducing waste, BSF enterprises are creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people and rural households seeking alternative income sources.