Our partner Egerton University has been granted a national patent for a groundbreaking invention: Temperature-Adapted Fish Feed Compositions Based on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Patent No. KE 1063). Developed by Dr. Benjamin Musyimi and his team together with the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Lab hosted by Prof. George Owuor, this innovation transforms organic by-products into sustainable fish feed adapted to different pond temperatures, leading to healthier fish, lower costs, and less environmental impact.

This milestone perfectly reflects the spirit of INCiTiS-FOOD – empowering local innovation through Europe–Africa collaboration to build circular, climate-resilient, and inclusive food systems. From insect-based feeds to aquaponics and hydroponics, our Living Labs, like Egerton’s in Nakuru, show how science and community can turn urban food challenges into green opportunities.

Congratulations to Egerton University and the INCiTiS-FOOD Nakuru Living Lab.

The Egerton University Living Lab shares that both spinach and tomato crops are developing well. The team is pleased with the healthy growth observed so far, which demonstrates how circular food production practices can lead to nutritious and high-quality produce.

At the Egerton University Living Lab, a successful capsicum harvest recently brought the farm-to-fork concept to life. The vibrant peppers were harvested, shared, and enjoyed, demonstrating the practical benefits of sustainable urban food production.

The Capsicum plants are thriving at the Egerton University Living Lab, grown using frass, fish, and water as key inputs. The team is actively collecting data to monitor growth and evaluate the effectiveness of the system.

The Egerton Univeristy Living Lab welcomed students from local agricultural schools for a practical learning experience. The students were introduced to innovative farming methods and sustainable practices directly within the Living Lab environment. Teaching children about sustainability from an early age is crucial, and the Egerton University Living Lab is playing an essential role in equipping the next generation with the knowledge needed to foster a sustainable future.

Egerton Living Lab is training and onboarding farmers for the INCiTiS-FOOD Farmers Training program. This comprehensive three-day session focuses on techniques in hydroponic and aquaponic farming, along with specialised training in black soldier fly (BSF) farming.

The program aims to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge crucial for sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to farmers, secondary school groups have also joined the Egerton Living Lab to gain insights into the operation of the Living Lab, fostering a new generation of environmentally-conscious agriculturalists.

Egerton Living Lab was showcased at the 3rd Multisectoral Conference and Exhibition on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation in Nairobi City, Kenya. The event was a great chance for the Living Lab team to interact with researchers across the globe and share their knowledge on Black Soldier Fly production and Fish nutrition in aquaponics systems.

At Egerton Living Lab, an onboarded farmer presents his second crop, cowpea. The same farmer already had one successful tomato harvest last year at this Living Lab. It is organically grown using fish waste and black soldier fly (BSF) frass, offering a healthy and sustainable option for consumers.

New initiatives are introduced at our Living Labs! This time black netting covers have been implemented to effectively reduce light intensity within the tanks. The aim of this innovation is to:

– Create a more controlled environment

– Ensure the well-being of the living world

– Secure optimal growth

Students want to learn and gain valuable practical experience. At Egerton Living Lab students are taking data on fish parameters. This practical exercise deepens their understanding of fish biology, behaviour, and aquaponics.