In December 2024, the INCiTiS-FOOD project launched its first Open Call, inviting external consortia to propose solutions based on circular agri-food technologies implemented within the project. The aim was to support practical, locally grounded projects that apply approaches such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and insect farming in real conditions. Selected consortia receive funding to implement their ideas and contribute to more sustainable city-region food systems.
Among the selected projects is the BSF Innovation Hub, implemented in Uganda. The project focuses on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming as a circular solution that transforms organic waste into valuable products, including high-protein animal feed and organic fertiliser. Through training, demonstration activities, and business support, the project explores how insect farming can contribute to food security, waste reduction, and new economic opportunities in Northern Uganda.
Turning Organic Waste into Valuable Resources
The BSF Innovation Hub is built around a simple circular principle: materials often treated as waste can become valuable inputs for food production systems.
Black Soldier Fly larvae are highly efficient at converting organic waste into nutrient-rich biomass. Food scraps, market waste, and other organic materials can be processed by the larvae and transformed into protein-rich feed ingredients suitable for poultry, fish, and livestock production. The remaining material, known as frass, can also be used as an organic fertiliser, returning nutrients back to agricultural systems.
This approach helps address two challenges at the same time. On one hand, it reduces the amount of organic waste that would otherwise be discarded or sent to landfill. On the other, it creates locally produced alternatives to conventional animal feed ingredients, which are often expensive and imported.
By linking waste management and food production, the project demonstrates how circular approaches can improve resource efficiency while creating additional value within local food systems.
Building Skills Through Demonstration and Training
A central component of the project is the establishment of a Black Soldier Fly Innovation Hub at Gulu University. The facility will serve as both a demonstration site and a practical learning environment where participants can observe and engage directly with insect farming systems.
Training activities will introduce farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and other local stakeholders to the fundamentals of BSF farming. Participants will learn about insect biology, rearing techniques, organic waste management, and business development strategies.
Rather than focusing only on technical production, the project also places emphasis on entrepreneurship. Business coaching and mentoring activities will support participants in understanding market opportunities, developing business plans, and exploring pathways to finance through local savings and credit organisations.
The project takes a gradual, hands-on approach to learning. Participants are encouraged to gain practical experience, assess opportunities within their own contexts, and build confidence before scaling their activities.
Supporting Food Security and Local Livelihoods
One of the key objectives of the BSF Innovation Hub is to improve access to affordable animal feed. Feed costs represent a major expense for many livestock, poultry, and fish farmers, often limiting productivity and profitability.
By producing insect-based protein locally, the project aims to provide a more affordable alternative while reducing dependence on imported feed ingredients. Lower feed costs can help strengthen local agricultural production and improve the economic viability of farming enterprises.
The project also seeks to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for young people, women, and other groups who may face barriers to traditional income-generating activities. Through training and business support, participants can explore new opportunities within emerging circular economy value chains.
In addition to its economic benefits, the project contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting responsible waste management and reducing the environmental footprint associated with conventional feed production.
The Partners Behind the Project
The BSF Innovation Hub is implemented by a consortium of three organisations that bring complementary expertise to the initiative.
TRIAS leads the consortium and contributes experience in entrepreneurship support, business development, and market access. The organisation works closely with participants to strengthen business skills and facilitate connections to financing and commercial opportunities.
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences contributes specialised expertise in insect farming, training development, and feasibility assessment. The institution supports the development of learning materials and provides technical knowledge based on its experience in insect production systems.
Gulu University serves as the local implementation partner and host of the pilot facility. The university contributes research expertise, training capacity, and practical support for establishing and operating the innovation hub within the Ugandan context.
Together, the partners combine technical, academic, and entrepreneurial expertise to ensure that the project is both scientifically grounded and practically relevant.
Looking Ahead
Through its activities, the BSF Innovation Hub explores how insect farming can contribute to more sustainable and resilient food systems. By transforming organic waste into valuable products, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local capacity, the project demonstrates the potential of circular agri-food technologies to address multiple challenges simultaneously.
As implementation progresses, the project will continue generating insights into how Black Soldier Fly farming can be adapted to local conditions and integrated into broader food production systems. These experiences will contribute to the wider INCiTiS-FOOD mission of testing and scaling innovative circular solutions across Africa.
To stay updated on the BSF Innovation Hub and other Open Call winners, follow INCiTiS-FOOD Newsroom and explore more stories from across the project.
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