Sustainable nutrition for all

Due to the limited access to affordable feed and fertilizer, farmers cannot afford feed and fertilizer and are unable to produce good harvests.

Additionally, the lack of a more sustainable and nutritious form of feed and nutritious food is seeing an increase in undernourished communities and stunted growth rates. 

One possible solution to this problem is that innovative and sustainable farming methods are needed in order to meet the current and future demand of protein and other nutrients. The Black Soldier Fly presents itself as an incredible solution to this problem. It is said that insects are the future of food. It is therefore best to begin preparing ourselves for this future. Especially in unprecedented times such as the ones we are living in.

If scaled globally, this solution could reduce waste and increase nutrition and well being of rural and urban communities, as well as create empowerment and jobs.

The lack of a more sustainable and nutritious form of feed and nutritious food is seeing an increase in undernourished families/communities and stunted growth rates in children at 40%; which is greater than the developing country average of 25%  

(https://globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/africa/eastern-africa/zambia/).  

This project will target 1000 women small scale farmers in the initial phase of the funding cycle and intends to target at least 3000 women farmers in various parts of the country.

Entomo Farm will achieve it’s results based on the following two outcomes:

• Increased female headed household in livestock activities by 2-3% by 2021
• Improved produce yield of women farmers through capacity development, skills and knowledge transfer for quality feed with 43% in protein, which is higher than soya beans, which is at 35%.  

The solution is to farm Black Soldier Flies for the use in livestock, aquaculture and fish feed as well as in fertilizer and for human consumption.

The process will see a cyclical process where BSF flies mate, lay eggs, which will hatch and then be processed and available in 3 forms namely;

• Dry
• Powdered or
• Whole live larvae

When we set up, we will begin by using normal machinery for the processes. However, part of our growth strategies include creating a tech based system that will see the harvesting of the flies in a controlled environment. This will ensure the production process to occur all year round.

The target population/target market is small and medium scale farmers, with a particular interest in women and people looking to take on healthier lifestyle choices.

Some of the ways our business is looking to understand the community demographics and needs as well as to sensitize them on nutrition and the importance of empowerment.

We will achieve it’s results based on the following two outcomes:

•  Increased female headed household in livestock activities by 2-3% by 2021

• Improved produce yield of women farmers through capacity development, skills and knowledge transfer for quality feed with 43% in protein, which is higher than soya beans, which is at 35%.     

By providing more organic, sustainable and affordable feed and food solutions to small and medium scale  farmers, as well as helping them to have improved yields, our project/business will address Sustainable Development Goals 1,2 and 3. By contributing to reduced hunger, poverty and promoting good health and well being of people in lower earning income brackets, we will see an increase in healthier and thriving communities and cities. This, I believe, aligns well to the sustainable food systems challenge and reduces on the carbon food print as the main raw material used to feed the larvae is organic house waste.

Moving away from conventional forms of feed to natures best- insects. These are more sustainable and organic.

It will shift human perceptions and opinions about insects and their profit/benefit to human beings. We will become more aware of organic products and to sustainably apply them to our daily lives.

in one year- up to 1000 small and medium scale farmers.

In 5 years- 5000 farmers

The Vision of Entomo Farm is to become the leading and preferred insect-based feed producer in Zambia and the region. Being preferred means consistently being able to provide affordable, organic and sustainable nutrition through feed, fertilizer and nutrition for all.

Part of our growth strategy and being a leader includes the incorporation of technology based systems, to be able to breed the insect in a controlled environment for better and consistent results.

The main barrier is access to funding.

Secondly, consumer perceptions about eating insects, presents itself as a cultural one that needs to be overcome especially in the peri-urban and urban areas.

Sensitization and an increase in engagement with village
headmen, chiefs and nutritionists and a voice for the business, will see
an increase in the uptake of our products and services.

Currently we have two people

1 full time and 1 part time.

The part time employee will be full time once we begin operations.

Our combined experience includes, but is not limited to Black Soldier Fly farming, community outreach, insurance and risk solutions

n/a

We will provide our feed/fertilizer products in 3 forms and it will be packaged in 5,10 and 25 kg bags.

Our selection for human consumption will be made available in forms of protein bars, protein shakes and whole dried

We will sell our products through B2B and B2C channels through rural and town shops, agents and farmers inputs shops.