Publication Type
Book Chapter
Journal Name
2025 ReSAKSS Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR)
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Insect farming as an innovative approach to transforming agrifood systems
Insect farming has emerged as a transformative and sustainable approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of food insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic vulnerability in Africa’s agrifood systems. By converting organic waste into high-value products (protein-rich feed, frass fertilizers, and bioactive compounds), insect farming offers an efficient circular economy solution that bridges nutrition, livelihoods, and ecological resilience (Lalander et al. 2025; Mei et al. 2024; Barragán-Fonseca et al. 2022; Xia et al. 2021; Van Huis 2020; Barragán-Fonseca et al. 2017; Van Huis and Oonincx 2017; Yi et al. 2014). Almost all of an insect’s body is edible, a trait that maximizes nutrient output while minimizing waste. This trait distinguishes insect farming from conventional livestock systems and underscores its potential to combat malnutrition and improve food security (Aidoo et al. 2023; Melgar-Lalanne et al. 2019; Payne et al. 2015; Van Huis et al. 2013). Insects are a rich source of high- value products such as oil, chitin, and antimicrobial peptides, such as α-helical, cysteine-rich, proline-rich, and glycine-rich peptides with emerging uses in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors as well as in aquaculture (Mei et al. 2024; Xia et al. 2021; Sahoo et al 2021; Yi et al. 2014). The environmental footprint of insect farming is lower than that of traditional livestock systems, as it requires less land, water, and feed while generating fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Dobermann et al. 2017; Van Huis et al. 2013). Moreover, insect farming can reduce zoonotic risks associated with wild harvesting and ensure a more stable and controlled supply of protein (Beesigamukama et al. 2023; Dobermann et al. 2017; Van Huis et al. 2013). Compared to conventional livestock, insects yield more nutrients per unit of land, water, and feed (Dobermann et al. 2017). The low market entry barriers to insect farming make it especially suitable for youth and women, contributing to inclusive pathways toward green employment and entrepre- neurship (Beesigamukama et al. 2023; Meerts et al. 2023; Abro et al. 2022; Verner et al. 2021; Abro et al. 2020). Given its multifaceted benefits, the insect farming industry is gaining global traction, with increasing investment and policy attention from national govern- ments and international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Bank (Tanga and Kababu 2023; Verner et al. 2021; Van Huis et al. 2013). Institutions such as the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) are leading in the development of innovative insect farming models, incorporating circular economy principles to support safe, controlled, and climate-resilient production systems (Leppla and De Clercq 2019; Van Huis et al. 2013; Newton et al. 2005; Sheppard et al. 2002; Ramos-Elorduy 1997). This chapter examines insect farming as a frontier innovation that can accel- erate Africa’s journey toward self-reliant, inclusive, and climate-resilient agrifood systems. Drawing on evidence from Africa and beyond, it demonstrates how insect farming contributes to food and feed security, welfare, soil health, climate change mitigation, and employment. We organize the rest of this chapter as follows. In the second section, we demonstrate the impact of insect farming in Africa by examining the contribu- tion of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming to economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and climate mitigation. We focus on BSF farming because it is the most widely promoted insect species with established large-scale production systems across many countries on the continent (Caparros Megido et al. 2024; Tanga and Kababu 2023; Tanga et al. 2021). BSF farming also has more reliable data on key parameters to support our analysis. In the third section, we analyze the market potential for insect farming products. In the fourth section, we discuss emerging innovations in the insect farming industry that African policymakers and entrepreneurs can leverage to strengthen the sector. In the fifth and sixth sections, we examine the enabling factors and barriers to scaling insect farming in Africa, respectively. In the seventh and eighth sections, we outline supply-side and demand-side policy options for African policymakers. Finally, in the ninth section, we provide concluding remarks.
Recommended Citation
1. Abro, Z., Beesigamukama, D., Legesse, E. E., Chia, S. Y., Tanga, C. M., Sevga, S., Ecuru, J., & Kassie, M. (2026). Insect farming innovations: A pathway to self-reliance in agrifood systems in Africa. Chapter 10. in Henning, C., Kassie, M., and Ly, R. (Eds.), Moving the technology frontiers in African Agri-food Systems. 2025 ReSAKSS Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR). https://www.resakss.org/sites/default/files/2025_ator_individual_chapters/ATOR_2025_Chapter%2010.pdf