The IITA-led BSF for Bio-Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability (BBEST) project, in collaboration with the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN), took part in the 4th Edition of the National Council for Agronomic Research Day held under the authority of the Niger Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Mahaman El Hadj Ousmane on 8 March 2024, with the theme, “Agricultural research as a drive for agricultural transformation and sustainable development: What a contribution to food security in Niger.”

During the Research Day, the IITA-BBEST project promoted the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology—a climate-smart agricultural practice that can boost livestock and vegetable production. Participants were shown the different products derived from the BSF during its lifecycle.

The BBEST and INRAN booth was visited by poultry farmers and producers, scientists, students, vocational training schools, the Niamey Region Governor, the CNRA Secretary, and the Niamey Mayor, among others.
Participants at the event were impressed by the technology and several end products, such as animal feed production, organic fertilizer, biowaste management, and the job creation potential. Some of the visitors to the booth showed interest in being trained in the technology and rearing of the black soldier fly.
The event, which served as a forum for exchanging and sharing agricultural research results, contributed to identifying the challenges to the implementation of research activities and the bottlenecks encountered by the Council. It also provided a platform to educate people about the BSF technology and the impact the project is making.
Contributed by Francisca Ocloo
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