In a strategic initiative to deliver top-quality feed and fertilizer for Nigerian farmers, address the potential shortage of protein in livestock and aquaculture feeds, and convert waste into a valuable resource, the IITA Business Incubation Platform (IITA-BIP) organized a 13-week business development training program. Launched on 9 October, the initiative aimed to cultivate entrepreneurs within the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) value chain, promoting sustainable agriculture practices. It concluded with a celebratory event on 31 January, honoring the 21 participants for their dedication and achievements.
In his opening remarks, IITA-BIP Head of Administration and Corporate Governance, Wole Oladokun, thanked the participants and commended the quality of the submitted proposals. He emphasized the importance of practical application of knowledge and encouraged participants to collaborate and spread the innovation across Nigeria and Africa.
IITA Deputy Director General, Partnership for Delivery (DDG-P4D) Kenton Dashiell highlighted the synergy between food waste and BSF larvae in producing high-quality protein feeds for livestock. He encouraged collaboration among participants, focusing on the productivity of their businesses and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products. Dashiell assured participants of IITA’s support through connections with financial institutions and investors.
IITA-BIP Director and CEO Adebowale Akande delivered a keynote address on the significance of sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges. He urged participants to embrace vision, tenacity, and steadfastness as essential traits for successful agribusiness ownership. Akande emphasized the certificate’s role as a driving force toward establishing a robust BSF system in Nigeria.
An entomologist from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebayo Omoloye, shared his perspective on the partnership’s success and stated that it aligns with the objective of establishing the Insect4Feed cluster at the university. He expressed interest in replicating the model in Botswana and wished the participants success in their endeavors.
One of the participants, Akintaro Olamide, acknowledged the comprehensive 13-week training, which covered the intricacies of Black Soldier Fly cultivation, from incubation to harvesting, marketing, and business viability. He emphasized that practical exposure provided the necessary support and knowledge to establish successful ventures.
IITA-BIP Business Development Officer Victoria Ayeni thanked all participants, partners, and media houses for their support, encouraging them to maintain the relationships from the training. She assured participants of IITA’s availability and support, even offering them farm visits and training opportunities.
New Generation Nutrition (NGN) CEO Marian Peters and NGN Entomologist Natalia Naranjo Guevara also addressed participants and simplified NGN’s role in the Insects4Feed impact cluster program. They encouraged participants to establish insect farms, research into further BSF literature, and embark on their business ventures with confidence.
Contributed by Omolara Sanusi
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