The Minister of Livestock and Agriculture explored the Production of the BSF at INRAN Maradi.

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock in Niger El Hadji Mahamane Ousmane paid an official courtesy visit to the regional headquarter of Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN) at CERRA in Maradi as part of his plan to engage scientists on issues related to their working conditions, including food security in the country. Meeting with the deputy secretary of the Region, and other dignitaries, the Minister went on a tour to discover the activities undertaken by the institute. He visited the entomologist laboratory where he explored the production of the novel Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology implemented by INRAN and IITA Led BSF for a Bio Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability (BBEST) with funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). This Research for Development (R4D) project aims to address these two challenges: unsustainable biowaste management and unsustainable supply of animal feed and fertilizer.
ElHadji Mahamane Ousmane commended the scientists’ work on the Black Soldier Fly technology. This sustainable practice transforms organic waste into protein-rich animal feed and protein-rich organic fertilizer for vegetable production and soil restoration. This aligns with the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie orientation for food safety and research. He also lauded the scientists for their dedication and hard work. “I am very happy because the managers are committed and know what they must do. I am thrilled by the research undertaken by the scientists and the student”. The team leading the BSF activities explained to the Minister and his team how the technology is contributing to job creation for the youth and informed him of their plan to undertake mass production of the BSF products in a facility they are establishing in Niamey and sell to poultry, fish, and vegetable producers. In times when humans and animals compete over sources of protein, with sustainable practices at the forefront of global discourses, the Black Soldier Fly technology is emerging as a game-changer. This innovative approach is transforming traditional methods and making way for sustainability. The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens), known for its remarkable ability to convert organic waste into rich protein feed for livestock has caught the attention of scientists, environmentalists, and private investors. By adopting the BSF technology, institutions not only reduce the biowaste in urban cities but, also produce nutrient-rich fertilizers for vegetable production and soil restoration.