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 Sustainable Insect-Based Feed and Food Loop Hub (SIFLOOP Hub), implemented in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The project combines Black Soldier Fly larvae farming with local fish production to develop a more affordable and sustainable alternative to conventional fish feed. By bringing together research, farmer training, entrepreneurship support, and policy engagement, SIFLOOP Hub aims to strengthen the local aquaculture sector while creating value from organic waste.
Making Fish Farming More Affordable and Sustainable
Fish farming has considerable potential to improve local nutrition and generate income in Taita Taveta County. However, current production remains well below local demand, with many existing fishponds inactive. One of the main barriers preventing farmers from fully using these resources is the high cost of fish feed.
Conventional fishmeal can be expensive and contributes to pressure on freshwater and marine resources. Some plant-based alternatives also present environmental and nutritional limitations. SIFLOOP Hub is responding to this challenge by developing locally produced fish feed based on Black Soldier Fly larvae.
Rich in protein and fat, Black Soldier Fly larvae can be used as an alternative ingredient in aquaculture feed. The project will combine larvae with suitable plant-based ingredients to develop feed formulations adapted to the needs of local fish farmers. Through research and on-farm trials, the consortium will assess feed quality, fish growth, practical application, and the potential to reduce feed prices by at least 20%.
At least 50 fish farmers will be trained as early adopters. Selected participants will test the feed under local conditions, share their experiences, and support other farmers interested in adopting insect-based feed solutions.
Closing the Loop Between Organic Waste and Food Production
The technology behind SIFLOOP Hub is based on a circular process in which locally available organic materials are transformed into useful agricultural inputs.
Black Soldier Fly larvae can feed on food scraps, crop residues, and other agricultural by-products, converting these materials into biomass that can be processed into high-protein fish feed. The remaining material, known as frass, can be used as an organic fertiliser to improve soil health and support crop production.
Other materials generated within the farming system can also be reused. Fish by-products may contribute to livestock feed or soil fertility, while livestock manure can support larvae production. By connecting these different activities, the project aims to create a closed-loop system in which resources remain in productive use for as long as possible.
The approach can reduce the amount of organic waste entering the environment, lower dependence on conventional fishmeal, and generate additional value for farmers and other actors across the local food system.
Research and development activities will take place at Taita Taveta University’s Black Soldier Fly demonstration farm in Ngerenyi, Kenya. The knowledge and methods developed there will be applied at MAZIDO’s four-acre site in Voi, where local stakeholders will participate in BSFL breeding, rearing, feed formulation, and business-oriented activities.
Building Businesses, Skills, and Local Cooperation
Alongside its technical activities, SIFLOOP Hub places strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and local economic development. The project will deliver business development and upskilling programmes for 150 fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The programmes will cover BSFL production, sustainable fish farming, leadership, business management, and market development. Particular attention will be given to the participation of women, young people, and people with disabilities, with accessible learning materials, flexible schedules, and tailored support designed to accommodate different participant needs.
Through these activities, SIFLOOP Hub aims to support the creation or improvement of at least 10 businesses and contribute to the creation or strengthening of more than 50 jobs.
The project will also facilitate the development of a cooperative connecting insect farmers, fish farmers, organic waste suppliers, and other agricultural stakeholders. The cooperative will help its members collaborate, access new markets, strengthen their bargaining position, and explore business opportunities emerging from circular farming practices. It is expected to bring together at least 20 active members during the project.
By connecting technical knowledge with business support and collective action, SIFLOOP Hub seeks to ensure that its innovations can generate lasting benefits beyond the initial project activities.
Connecting Research, Communities, and Policy
SIFLOOP Hub is designed as a multi-actor initiative involving farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, organic waste suppliers, public authorities, environmental and health agencies, investors, and local communities.
The project will begin by mapping the insect-based feed value chain, local stakeholder ecosystem, and existing circular food and waste practices. User research and co-creation activities will help the consortium understand the needs and challenges of local fish farmers and develop solutions that are both scientifically sound and suitable for real-world application.
Local and regional policymakers will also be engaged throughout the project. Meetings and workshops will explore how insect farming and sustainable aquaculture can be better integrated into county agricultural strategies. The consortium will also prepare a White Paper with recommendations for strengthening the policy environment for insect-based feed and circular farming.
All feed development and production activities will follow relevant Kenyan standards for the production and handling of insects intended for food and feed, as well as national requirements related to aquaculture safety and quality.
The Partners Behind the Project
SIFLOOP Hub is implemented by a consortium of three organisations combining community development, scientific research, business support, and participatory innovation.
- Management of Arid Zones Initiatives and Development Options (MAZIDO) leads the consortium and coordinates local implementation in Taita Taveta County. The organisation brings experience in climate-smart agriculture, community-led development, farmer training, and the adoption of sustainable technologies. MAZIDO will host practical BSFL production and feed formulation activities at its site in Voi while supporting stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and business development.
- Taita Taveta University (TTU) contributes academic and research expertise in sustainable agriculture, insect farming, animal nutrition, pest management, and soil analysis. Its demonstration farm in Ngerenyi will serve as the project’s research and development unit, supporting the optimisation of BSFL production methods and the development and validation of locally adapted fish feed formulations.
- Three o’clock (3OC) is a Paris-based social innovation agency specialising in user research, co-creation, participatory design, innovation management, and the development of circular and social business models. The organisation will guide the project’s multi-actor approach and help ensure that solutions are developed together with the people and organisations expected to use and sustain them.
Together, the partners connect local knowledge and community engagement with academic research and business model development, providing a strong foundation for a practical and scalable innovation hub.
Looking Ahead
Through its integrated approach, SIFLOOP Hub aims to demonstrate how insect farming can help address several interconnected challenges in Taita Taveta County. Transforming organic waste into locally produced fish feed can lower production costs, support fish farmers, reduce environmental pressure, and create new opportunities for businesses and employment.
The project’s longer-term potential extends beyond the development of a single feed product. By building skills, strengthening cooperation, testing circular business models, and working with policymakers, the consortium is developing a locally grounded model that can continue growing and potentially be adapted in other regions.
The experience generated through SIFLOOP Hub will contribute to the broader INCiTiS-FOOD mission of testing and scaling circular agri-food solutions that support more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems across Africa.
To stay updated on all our Open Call winners, follow the INCiTiS-FOOD Newsroom and explore more stories from across the project.
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