Alternative Sustainable Poultry Feeds in African Countries

On January 15, 2025, the Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem – ISA-CM hosted the virtual workshop “Alternative Sustainable Poultry Feeds: Challenges and Opportunities”.

The event brought together 23 participants from six countries across Africa and Europe, including Cameroon, Spain, Kenya, Uganda, Togo, and Tunisia. The goal of the workshop was to exchange knowledge and discuss innovative solutions to improve sustainability in poultry farming through alternative feeds, with a special focus on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL).

The Need for Sustainable Poultry Feeds

Poultry farming plays a crucial role in food security and economic development across many African nations. However, the reliance on imported feed ingredients, particularly fishmeal and soy, is a significant challenge. This not only raises production costs but also contributes to environmental degradation due to the unsustainable sourcing of these ingredients. As a result, the poultry sector is turning to alternative, locally sourced feed options to ensure both sustainability and food security.

Among the most promising alternatives is the Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), which is gaining attention as a protein-rich, environmentally friendly solution. The larvae are highly nutritious and can be raised on organic waste, making them an ideal resource to reduce dependency on imported feeds and provide a more sustainable option for poultry farmers.

Environmental Benefits and Local Solutions in African Countries

The workshop featured presentations from several leading experts in the field, including:

• Dr. Ann Wachira – Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
• Robert Alex Isabirye – National Agricultural Research Organisation, Uganda
• Prof. François Djitié Kouatcho – University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
• Jacob Kokou TONA – University of Lomé, Togo
• Ana Montalban – University of Murcia, Spain
• Dr. Sonia Rjiba – Tunisia’s Ministry of Agriculture
• Prof. Madiha Hadj Ayed – Institut d’Agronomie de Chott Mariem, Tunisia

The discussions were centered on the role of BSFL in replacing traditional feed ingredients like fishmeal, particularly in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Togo, where ongoing research is focused on the benefits of BSFL for egg production and poultry health.

As Prof. Tona highlighted, Togo has significant positive impacts on egg production and the reproductive traits of laying hens, offering a glimpse into how such feeds could transform the poultry sector. Similarly, other experts emphasized the importance of finding local alternatives that could complement or partially replace the need for imported ingredients, which are often expensive and environmentally harmful.

Dr. Ana Montalban presented findings from the SUSTAvianFEED project’s environmental impact assessments. The research demonstrated that the combination of BSFL and local resources not only improved the performance and health of slow-growing broilers but also resulted in lower carbon emissions compared to conventional feed diets based on imported maize and soy.

Similarly, Dr. Madiha Hadj Ayed shared insights from the ISA-CM pilot in Tunisia, where BSFL was combined with other local ingredients. The results showed that this combination could lead to improved meat quality and overall poultry welfare while reducing the environmental footprint of production.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential of BSFL as a sustainable poultry feed is clear, the workshop also addressed several challenges that need to be overcome for widespread adoption.

• High production costs: As pointed out by Dr. Ann Wachira, in Kenya one kilogram of BSFL costs the same as one kilogram of imported soy. To make BSFL a viable alternative, these costs need to be reduced.
• Technical and Legal Barriers: Experts highlighted that, in some areas, like Tunisia, legal regulations and a lack of technical knowledge around BSFL farming could hinder its development. To address this, some participants suggested creating stronger collaborations between research institutions and stakeholders involved in feed production and poultry farming.
• Consumer Acceptance: Another concern raised was the acceptance of BSFL by consumers, particularly in African markets where traditional animal feed practices are deeply ingrained. The acceptance of poultry products fed with BSFL, such as eggs and meat, will require extensive education and awareness campaigns to inform farmers and consumers about the benefits.

Moving Forward: Collaboration and Innovation

Despite the challenges, the workshop ended on a hopeful note. The participants recognized the innovative potential of African countries in addressing local poultry farming challenges through sustainable solutions like BSFL. Several experts recommended fostering collaborations between research institutions, poultry farmers, and feed producers to scale up BSFL farming techniques and ensure the successful integration of these alternatives into local poultry feeds. By supporting research, training, and policy dialogue, it is possible to create a more sustainable and resilient poultry industry in Africa, reducing dependence on imports while improving local livelihoods and food security.

The Alternative Sustainable Poultry Feeds workshop has provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and building cross-border collaborations aimed at making poultry farming more sustainable in Africa. By harnessing the power of locally sourced alternatives like Black Soldier Fly Larvae, there is significant potential to improve the environmental, economic, and social impacts of poultry farming across the continent. The road ahead may be challenging, but the opportunities for innovation and collaboration are abundant, offering hope for a more sustainable future in African agriculture.