Jayne Wanjiru Muruga in her kitchen garden. She grows fruits and vegetables using organic fertiliser from the Black Soldier Flies.
The sky is blue as the Seeds of Gold team approaches Belba Farm near Egerton University in Njoro, Nakuru County.
We find Jayne Wanjiru Muruga tending to black soldier flies at her 50m by 100m compound.
The 54-year-old says she learnt about black soldier fly farming from a television show.
“I was inspired, especially when I discovered that the protein-rich flies can increase egg production when fed to chickens,” Muruga says, adding that it has also reduced the cost of production as she no longer buys commercial feed.
Jayne Wanjiru Muruga displays the Black Soldier Flies she keeps in her home at Belba Farm in Egerton, Njoro Sub-county in Nakuru County on September 23, 2024.
Muruga also chairs the 23-member Great Love DCA Farmers Group. The group members were identified by an NGO and trained on black soldier fly farming. After the training, every farmer was given a starter kit and a kilo of flies.
“The NGO noticed my interest in black soldier fly farming and took me to Kajiado County for more training that lasted four days. I was made a tutor of tutors,” she says.
Back home, she sourced more containers made from local materials for more black soldier fly larvae.
The farmer, who is also an electronic technician, started the project in 2023. She put up an enclosed structure to prevent her black soldier flies from being eaten by rats, ants, birds and other predators.
Muruga gives the larvae organic and kitchen waste. Feeding the black soldier flies during the dry season is a challenge as such waste is scarce.
Fortunately, she gets enough from the university, especially when students are in session.
Black soldier flies have six instars (stages). The fifth instar or larvae contain 40 to 46 per cent protein.
Muruga has more than doubled the number of her improved kienyeji chickens from the time she started the project. She says the black soldier flies boost the chickens’ immunity.
One, however, must exercise caution and not overfeed the birds as that can lead to a fall in egg production. She gives every chicken 10 to 20 larvae daily.
“The excreta of the black soldier flies is an excellent organic fertiliser. I use it in my kitchen garden that I established when starting this project,” Muruga says, adding that she has not bought chemical fertiliser for two years.
Muruga gets at least 10 kilos of organic fertiliser a week though this depends on the number of larvae and the weather.
The larvae are usually not vibrant on cold days or weeks, reducing the amount of fertiliser produced.
The market for the fertiliser has grown in the area since many farmers have been avoiding inorganic inputs.
When she gets enough fertiliser for her farm, Muruga sells the surplus at Sh60 per kilogramme.
“The aim of the project was to ensure we get something useful from the waste, hence minimising costs,” the farmer says, adding that she harvests eggs four times a week.
When the black soldier flies are fed properly, one produces 500 to 700 eggs in its lifetime.
Black soldier fly larvae have an impressive growth rate, gaining between 5,000 to 7,000 times their initial body weight and reaching full size in a short period, typically 10 to 14 days.
The project, Muruga says, has many benefits. The market for the black soldier flies is growing, with a kilo of five-day larvae going for as much as Sh2,500.
“The venture is exciting since I can practise intensive farming with ready organic manure. I also train locals on black soldier fly farming at a fee,” she says.
For black soldier fly farming, one needs to have passion and devotion. The farmer should have a sustainable waste supplier.
“I do online research on black soldier flies, especially on YouTube. I also visit established big farms to gain more knowledge and skills,” Muruga says.
She has partnered with Egerton University in a black soldier fly research programme called Incitis.
The farmer also grows azolla, which she uses to make feed for her chickens, cows, sheep, rabbits and other animals. Providing the birds with black soldier flies and azolla feed improves the strength of the egg shell and yolk colour.
Black soldier flies larvae can also be used to make dog feed.
“County governments need to partner with black soldier fly farmers in waste management and protect the environment,” she says.
Compared to other protein sources such as soybean or fishmeal, black soldier fly larvae can be produced at a faster rate and using less land and resources.
According to Rose Ochier, a Masters student at Egerton University, farmers can conserve the environment and use food leftovers to feed black soldier flies.
“One can actually make money from these flies and their larvae. It is an effortless way of earning a living,” she says.
