Empowering Niger's Youth, Women, and Entrepreneurs through a Training Workshop

Central to the workshop's mission was the enhancement of participants' capabilities to leverage the Black Soldier Fly as a powerful tool for organic waste recycling. Notably, the training underscored the cultivation of skills among women and young agripreneurs in Black Soldier Fly rearing and its multifaceted applications. This included harnessing the fly's larvae as a nutrient-rich feed source and leveraging organic fertilizers for soil enrichment. A diverse array of participants converged at the workshop, representing varied domains such as poultry, beekeeping, agricultural education, feed sales companies, and decentralized unit representatives. To initiate the workshop, an enlightening presentation elucidated the project's background, setting the context for the learning journey ahead. Subsequently, trainers delved into the intricate biology of the Black Soldier Fly and its versatile uses, providing insights into its role in poultry and fish feed production. The workshop also entailed practical guidance on establishing and maintaining a successful Black Soldier Fly colony. Integral to the workshop's impact was the establishment of a tangible connection between theoretical learning and hands-on implementation. Over 50% of the participants expressed an eagerness to embrace Black Soldier Fly rearing within their farms. Their enthusiasm translated into the commitment to start colonies by taking larvae for their own endeavors. The workshop's influence extended to an agricultural school, where a farm constructed a black soldier fly mating cage post-training. Additionally, one farm that actively participated in the training received MSN strains to reinforce its existing colony. Looking forward, the workshop's momentum is set to continue through a dedicated WhatsApp platform. This platform will facilitate ongoing engagement, enabling participants to exchange progress updates on breeding endeavors, seek answers to queries, and foster a collective learning ecosystem. In essence, the training workshop not only fortified participants' knowledge and skill sets but also ignited a tangible spark for transformative change within Niger's agricultural landscape. Through hands-on application and sustained digital interaction, the workshop paves the way for sustainable agricultural practices and innovative entrepreneurial endeavors. Participants during the training on the rearing of the Black Soldier Fly in Niger.