Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) through the African Centre for Agro-Ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE) on Friday 24th September 2021, launched the Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) innovation, an alternative high quality protein feed for livestock and poultry. The event took place at the Faculty of Agriculture, Nkozi Main Campus.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Elly Karuhanga who is the Chairman, Board of Directors – Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) applauded UMU for coming up with such an innovation through research. He was optimistic that it will save farmers a lot of money that they have been spending on imported feeds.
“The farmers out there are paying a fortune on imported feeds but with this innovation, UMU is going to save almost 70% of our money. PSFU is happy to be associated with you”, he noted.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Christopher Mukidi appreciated PSFU for believing in UMU and supporting the Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) innovation which he said has a lot of potential to meet national expectations.
“When our staff came up with this project, PSFU believed in us and went ahead to provide funding for it. I thank them for their flexibility and support”, Dr. Mukidi said.
He requested for more support in ensuring that this kind of innovation is rolled out in other parts of the Country.
The former Vice Chancellor Rev. Prof. J.C. Maviiri noted that there is a growing interest in utilizing and venturing in insects around the world. He appealed to government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to support research being undertaken in insects because they are a very big resource.
The Head of the Centre for Agro-Ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE) Dr. Jude Ssebuwufu explained that since its inception, the BSFL innovation has enabled them to put in place a fully fledged training facility for students, staff and farmers, a Curriculum has been developed, put in place a feed mill among other developments. He was optimistic that this project will change the lives of many farmers for the better.
The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Nina Pius was happy to note that Uganda Martyrs University has been able to train farmers who will in turn train their fellow counterparts in rearing of the Black Soldier Fly Larvae, which he termed as a unique insect that is easy to rear and cheap to invest in.
“We needed to identify a different paradigm to sustain the growing economic demands and BSFL offers that avenue”, he said.
The Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) innovation is funded by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) in conjunction with the Skills Development Project (SDF), BOBO Eco farm and the Government of Uganda through the World Bank.
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