Blue Canva

The idea for our project stemmed from a deep concern for environmental sustainability, a passion for agricultural innovation, and a desire to address pressing challenges facing the aquaculture industry in Malawi. As individuals with backgrounds in animal feed, we were aware of the detrimental impact of traditional grain-based fish feed on both ecosystems and fish health. Grain cultivation for feed production often leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution, environmental degradation and contributing to climate change.

These concerns motivated our research into alternative feed options that could mitigate these environmental impacts while also providing optimal nutrition for fish. It was during this exploration that we stumbled upon the potential of Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable feed source. BSFL have a remarkable ability to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich protein, offering a natural and eco-friendly alternative to grain-based feed.

Inspired by this discovery, we embarked on a journey to develop a business model centered around BSFL-based fish feed. The project started with small-scale experiments in larvae production and fish feeding trials to assess the viability and effectiveness of BSFL as a feed source. As we witnessed the positive outcomes of these trials, such as improved fish growth rates and reduced feed costs, our conviction in the potential of BSFL only grew stronger.

Armed with these promising results, we began reaching out to potential partners and stakeholders in the aquaculture industry. Collaborations with fisher cooperatives along Lake Malawi provided valuable insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by fish farmers, guiding the refinement of our product offerings and business strategy.

Securing partnerships with organizations like Guano Boost and Seed Co. further validated our approach and provided the necessary resources and support to scale our operations. Today, our project stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in driving positive change in the aquaculture sector. By harnessing the potential of BSFL, we are not only revolutionizing fish feed production but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for fisheries and the environment.

Our project aims to revolutionize the aquaculture industry by introducing sustainable fish feed solutions using Black Soldier Fly larvae. By harnessing the natural abilities of BSFL to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich protein, we offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional grain-based feed. Through partnerships with fisher cooperatives along Lake Malawi and collaborations with industry leaders like Guano Boost and Seed Co., we are driving positive change in fisheries management and environmental sustainability. Our mission is not just about feeding fish; it's about nourishing ecosystems, empowering fish farmers, and creating a brighter future for aquaculture. Join us in transforming the way we feed our oceans and safeguarding the health of our planet.

Our solution primarily serves communities along the shoreline of Lake Malawi, specifically targeting smallholder fisherfolk and aquaculture farmers. These communities often face challenges accessing affordable and sustainable fish feed options, leading to reduced productivity and income instability. Additionally, the environmental degradation caused by conventional feed practices further exacerbates their vulnerability.

By introducing Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) as a low-cost, regenerative fish feed alternative, our solution addresses these pressing needs. BSFL production utilizes organic waste materials, minimizing production costs and environmental impact while providing a nutrient-rich feed source for fish. This approach not only improves fish health and growth rates but also promotes soil regeneration and reduces carbon emissions.

Moreover, by harnessing the vast potential of Lake Malawi's fisheries, our solution offers a pathway out of poverty for local communities. Increased fish productivity and income opportunities empower fisherfolk to improve their livelihoods, while positioning Lake Malawi as a food basin for the entire Sub-Saharan region contributes to broader regional food security and economic development. Overall, our solution directly and meaningfully improves the lives of underserved communities by addressing their immediate needs and unlocking the full potential of their natural resources.

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution due to our deep connection and proximity to the communities we serve. We have a track record of successful collaborations with key players in the Malawian agriculture sector, demonstrating our ability to deliver exceptional services. Comprised of energetic youth with innovative ideas and a willingness to learn from experienced mentors, we bring a dynamic and diverse skill set to the table.

Importantly, our team members hail from the very communities we aim to serve. This gives us a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities present, allowing us to design solutions that are truly impactful and relevant to the local context. Our team leader's experience on a World Bank project and extensive interaction with these communities have facilitated meaningful dialogue and input, ensuring that our solution is guided by the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. In addition, many of our team members work as extension workers in rural areas, providing invaluable insights and observations from the grassroots level. With our community-driven approach and firsthand experience, we are well-equipped to design and implement solutions that make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

We have selected the prototype stage because we have developed and tested our solution in collaboration with one partner fishery. The results from this pilot have been tremendously positive, with significant improvements in fish health and growth rates reported by the beneficiaries. While our current focus is on serving this initial group of customers, we are eager to expand our solution to other regions along the shoreline of Lake Malawi.

To date, we have served a limited number of customers or beneficiaries through our pilot program, but the feedback and outcomes have been highly encouraging. Our aim is to refine and scale our solution based on the learnings from this initial testing phase. Furthermore, expanding our solution to other regions could contribute to the conservation of endangered fish species such as Mpasa and Sanjika, enhancing the ecological sustainability of aquaculture practices in Lake Malawi.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in its mission to support innovative solutions that address global challenges. While we have made significant progress with our solution, we recognize that there are still barriers to overcome in terms of scaling our impact.

Specifically, we hope Solve can help us overcome financial barriers by connecting us with potential funding partners who share our vision for sustainable aquaculture. Additionally, we seek technical and market support to refine our solution and navigate regulatory frameworks more effectively. Solve's network of experts and collaborators can provide valuable insights and resources to accelerate our growth trajectory.

Furthermore, we understand that Solve is not solely focused on fundraising but also aims to foster collaboration and provide non-monetary support. We are excited about the opportunity to engage with Solve's community to exchange ideas, learn from others' experiences, and access mentorship opportunities that can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of our solution. Ultimately, by partnering with Solve, we aim to amplify our impact and contribute to positive change in the aquaculture sector and beyond.

2 full time

8 part-time