Project Launch: (3) Family Farms Using BSFL for Animal Feed Production
We are excited to announce a new phase in our partnership with the Karambi Group of People with Disabilities (KGPD), focusing on deepening the impact and sustainability of their Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) animal feed production project. Located in Kasese District, Uganda, KGPD has been a trusted partner of The Giving Exchange for two years now, successfully leveraging BSFL as a sustainable, community-empowering social enterprise. This is our third round of funding for different beneficiaries all utilizing this innovative technique.
Mission
KGPD's mission is to empower persons with disabilities, their families, and communities to improve their quality of life. This project exemplifies their dedication to creating sustainable livelihoods and enhancing community resilience.
History with TGE
Our previously funded BSFL expansion project with Karambi has yielded significant results:
Installation of a solar power system, reducing power costs to zero.
Partnership with a community water program, providing sufficient water for irrigation and fish pond maintenance.
Establishment of an additional fishpond.
Development of a permaculture center, attracting visitors from other organizations who pay to learn about Karambi’s innovative BSFL animal feed production and other sustainable practices.
Plan of Action
The project aims to expand BSFL animal feed production to empower three individual farmers – Moses, Douglas, and Grace – who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and passion for empowering their communities. Their innovation and dedication make them ideal candidates to lead this initiative and support other farmers in adopting BSF production. These farmers will produce 60% of the feed required for their livestock, which will significantly reduce their costs and increase their profitability. Additionally, 20% of their profits will be reinvested into training and providing startup capital for 3-5 new farmers in their village.
Project Details
The Karambi Group cleverly came up with using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to provide more affordable animal feed to the communities of the Kasese District. BSFL is high in nutrients, especially proteins. It is versatile and quick to reproduce. It can be consumed live or in powder form by poultry, livestock, and fish, and has even been shown to strengthen the immunity of animals.
How does it work?
The Karambi Group gathers their neighbors' animal waste on which the larvae feed. The flies are confined in insectariums and lay eggs in pieces of wood. Every two days, eggs are collected and hatched, and the larvae start eating in the Larvarium. They feed on any organic decomposable matter, kitchen refuse, animal droppings, and fruits. In 8 to 12 days, larvae are mature and ready for consumption.
This livelihood extension project focuses on enhancing the capacity of the three farmers to sustainably produce BSFL animal feed for their chicken and fish. By doing so, they will not only ensure their own sustainability and income growth but also support other local farmers in starting small-scale BSFL production, capable of feeding 10-20 chickens.
Karambi Group farmers can sell the BSFL animal feed at a lower cost than other feeds available. As a result, this reduces the expenses of feed and increases each farm’s chance of success. By providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for animal feed, the project significantly benefits the local agricultural community.
Project Measurement
The success of the project will be measured by:
The ability of the three commercial farmers to produce over 50% of the required daily feeds.
An increase in profit resulting from savings on feed costs.
The number of new farmers adopting BSF feed production.
Increased income at the Karambi farm due to improved transportation and operational efficiency.
We are thrilled to continue supporting the Karambi Group of People with Disabilities in their mission to empower and uplift their community through sustainable practices. Stay tuned for more updates on this impactful project!