In a quiet but promising shift in Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape, a new and unconventional farming practice is taking root, one that turns waste into wealth while empowering rural women.
In an interview with CITE, Thabani Dube, a Senior Scientific Officer with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ( ICRISAT) shared insights into the Circular Food Systems Project in Africa, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
The initiative, still in its early stages is piloting black soldier fly farming as a sustainable solution to rising livestock feed costs and waste management challenges.
“We started this project as a pilot around November 2024,” Dube explained.
“We sourced the larvae from the University of Chinhoyi and established a successful production unit at Matopos Research Institute. From there, we began supplying a small group of farmers in Matobo and Insiza districts.”
The project initially targeted just 10 farmers, aiming to test the viability of the technology under local conditions.
At its core is a simple but powerful idea, converting organic waste, ranging from kitchen scraps to livestock waste into high-protein feed for animals such as chickens, pigs and fish.
“The black soldier fly fits perfectly into this model,” It transforms waste into a valuable resource. Given that feed costs account for up to 70–80% of livestock production expenses, this technology has the potential to significantly reduce costs,” said Dube
However, adoption has not been without challenges.
“This is a completely new concept for many farmers,”. It requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to learn. The process is sensitive to factors like temperature and feed quality, so farmers need time to master it,” explained the scientist.
Despite the learning curve, early adopters, particularly women are already reaping the benefits.
One such farmer is Nomuhle Sibanda from Inyathi who began black soldier fly farming in 2024 after attending a training session at Matopos Research Station facilitated by ICRISAT.
Starting with 500 pupae purchased in Chivhu, she quickly embraced the enterprise.
“I saw an opportunity where others saw waste,” Now I use household leftovers to feed my larvae and in turn, they feed my chickens and pigs,” said Sibanda.
She has since expanded her operation, constructing larvae cages at her homestead and training other farmers from as far as Lupane.
She now charges $20 per training session, creating an additional income stream.
“This project has changed how I farm. By mixing crushed larvae with maize meal, I get a high-protein feed that improves my livestock’s growth. I’m now earning more because my animals are healthier and bigger,” she added.
Another farmer, Ntandoyenkosi Mpofu, also from Inyathi started small with just 60 larvae but is already seeing results.
“I collect all household and piggery waste and let it decompose quickly in sealed black plastic bags. The larvae feed on this and what remains becomes rich organic manure for my crops,” said Mpofu.
She highlighted the dual benefits of the system, feed production and soil fertility and is planning to expand her operation by building more cages.
“This is not just farming. It is a full cycle. Nothing goes to waste. Even the leftovers from the larvae become something useful.
The black soldier fly is particularly suited to this circular system due to its efficient life cycle. The adult fly lays eggs which hatch into larvae within a few days. These larvae are the most valuable stage, they consume large amounts of organic waste and rapidly grow over a period of about two weeks.
After reaching maturity, they transition into the pupal stage and eventually emerge as adult flies, ready to reproduce and restart the cycle.
Importantly, adult black soldier flies do not feed or spread disease, making them safer than common houseflies.
Their larvae, rich in protein and fats serve as an excellent alternative to expensive commercial feeds.
While still in its infancy, the Circular Food Systems Project is showing strong potential.
Dube believes that peri-urban areas especially those near fresh produce markets could greatly benefit from this innovation due to the abundance of organic waste.
“We are optimistic. With the right support and training, this could become a game-changer for smallholder farmers,” noted Dube.
For women like Sibanda and Mpofu, the technology is already doing just that, turning overlooked waste into opportunity, resilience and income.
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