“Transforming Waste into Wealth: Discover How Fly Farming is Boosting Climate Resilience and Creating Jobs” – Global Center on Adaptation

The International Day of Zero Waste aims to bring attention to a growing issue. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, we generate about 2.3 billion tons of waste each year. If we don’t take action, this figure could rise to 3.8 billion tons by 2050. This surge in waste threatens our health, strains the economy, and worsens climate change.

In Mukuru, a settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, where waste collection is irregular, a creative solution is taking shape. A project is cultivating black soldier flies to consume organic waste. These flies can eat up to ten kilograms of waste in just two weeks, transforming it into nutrient-rich fertilizer and protein-rich animal feed. This not only cleans up the environment but also helps manage flooding caused by increased rainfall due to climate change.

The economic upsides are significant. The demand for organic fertilizer made from fly larvae is on the rise, especially as global fertilizer prices increase due to various factors, including geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local youths are also gaining employment through this initiative, tackling Kenya’s high unemployment rates.

In Ghana, the company West African Feeds is also utilizing black soldier fly larvae to manage waste. Founded by Rose Oduro, the company has developed a farming system called the EntoBox, designed to scale black soldier fly farming. Rose won the GCA’s YouthAdapt Challenge in 2022, highlighting the innovation in her approach. She says, “We’re able to reduce harmful waste practices while giving farmers an additional income. This has lowered feed costs for livestock by 30%.”

Rose is passionate about creating sustainable solutions. “I started with a desire to tackle climate change and food security. By transforming waste into valuable resources, we can build a resilient future.”

Frank Mugisha, CEO of Akatale on Cloud, echoes these sentiments. His award-winning work involves converting organic waste into fertilizers and animal feeds. He stresses, “Black soldier fly larvae can rapidly consume organic waste, providing a high-protein feed and nutrient-rich fertilizer, which helps improve soil quality and reduces reliance on chemicals.”

Around the globe, cities are facing more flooding due to climate change, pushing innovative methods like fly farming into the spotlight. While wealthier nations invest heavily in infrastructure upgrades, more cost-effective, nature-based solutions like fly farming are vital for developing regions.

As we observe the International Day of Zero Waste, we celebrate the efforts of those championing sustainable practices. Their work shines as a beacon for communities everywhere, empowering them to tackle waste and build a greener future.

To learn more about sustainable waste management, you can explore reports from credible sources like the UN Environment Programme [here](https://www.unep.org/resources).

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Locally Led Adaptation