Fish farming in Taita Taveta County (Kenya) has a significant potential to enhance local nutrition and income, yet the current production remains far below demand. A key challenge is the high cost of fish feed, which leads to the underutilisation of existing resources, i.e. 350 out of 1,000 fish ponds remain inactive. Farmers in this county have long struggled with low yields due to inadequate knowledge of fish biology, poor pond management, and limited access to affordable inputs. The reliance on conventional fishmeal contributes to overfishing, threatening freshwater and marine biodiversity. Alternative plant-based feeds such as soy and corn also present sustainability challenges, including deforestation, water pollution, and limited digestibility for fish.
SIFLOOP delivers an innovative circular solution by integrating Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) farming into local fish farming and related agri-food systems. BSFL offer a cost-effective, high-protein alternative to fishmeal, while simultaneously addressing waste management challenges by transforming organic waste into valuable feed.
The project provides two targeted training programmes, one focused on insect farming and one on business development, equipping local farmers and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to engage in insect-based feed production and sustainable aquaculture.
In parallel, a co-creation bootcamp brings together local stakeholders to collectively refine the functioning of the circular economy loop, paving the way for the establishment of a cooperative. We design the overall training programme and support local partners, MAZIDO and Taita Taveta University, in applying systems thinking and coordinating effectively with local authorities.
To date, two cohorts of local farmers have been trained in Black Soldier Fly larvae farming. In parallel, MAZIDO has established an insect farm that serves as the project’s main operational hub and demonstration site.
This work was developed under the INCiTiS-FOOD Programme funded by Horizone Europe. SIFLOOP is led by the NGO MAZIDO International and developed in collaboration with Taita Taveta University and Three o’clock.
