10 Ways to Start Agribusiness in Kenya Without Buying Land

Agribusiness in Kenya is now one of the most profitable investment opportunities, especially for the enterprising young people. However, one of the greatest challenges facing young, aspiring farmers is access to arable land, which is often expensive and out of reach for many young entrepreneurs. 

Young Farmer Leasing Land in Narok for Onion Farming

Fortunately, owning land is not the only way to get into and thrive in the agribiz sector. Here are some practical solutions for starting an agribusiness in Kenya without buying land:

1. Long-term Land Leasing

The most practical and common alternative to buying farming land is leasing. Many landowners are willing to lease their land on a long-term basis for agricultural purposes at an affordable rate. Land lease costs as low as Ksh10,000 per year per acre in some fertile remote areas. This option has three main advantages: 

1. Flexible, annual payment program: Let us say you have agreed with the land owner to lease the land for 10 years at the rate of Ksh10,000 per acre per year. You will not need the entire Ksh100,000 at the start of your project. You pay annually for the next 10 years. 
2. Focus your capital on the actual farming: This arrangement allows you to put all your capital into land preparation, buying farm inputs, and footing the cost of operations, rather than on purchasing land. 
3. Land lease fee eventually pays for itself: Once you start harvesting, the proceeds of your project give you the cash to pay subsequent lease fees. 

I would only advise you to ensure that you have a clear and legally binding lease agreement, signed before a lawyer to avoid disputes.

2. Adopting Urban Farming Technology

You actually do not have to move to a rural area in order to become an agri-preneur: urban farming technologies offer a great alternative. Techniques such as container gardening, vertical farming, and hydroponics enable you to grow crops in small urban spaces but produce enough to make a decent income. You can use rooftops, balconies, or backyards. The secret is to cultivate high-value crops like herbs, vegetables, or berries.

Hydroponic farming technology

3. Partnering with Landowners

I call this the win-win farming partnership. It involves landowners who have very good land for farming, do not have the capital to do their projects, and do not wish to lease out their land. 

In such agreements, you come in as an investor, providing the cash capital. The land owner provides the land and probably water and irrigation facilities. The investor (you) and the land owner then agree on how to share the responsibilities of managing the project. You also agree on how to share the profits. This win-win arrangement benefits both parties and eliminates the need for upfront capital to buy land.

4. Greenhouse Farming

We take on this option because it is ideal for maximizing productivity on small parcels of land. We are ideally talking about urban plots that would ordinarily produce very low yields under open-field farming. 

In almost all towns, you will find idle plots that you can rent and construct greenhouses to grow high-value crops like tomatoes, capsicums, and cucumbers. Greenhouses significantly improve yields and reduce losses brought about by pests, diseases, and  hazardous weather.

Simple greenhouse farming

5. Contract Farming

This is most probably the most enticing arrangement for Kenyan youth. Contract farming involves working with established companies that provide you with the resources to grow specific crops or rear animals. These companies often supply seeds, inputs, and technical support and guarantee a market for your produce. With all that provided, you can then invest the little capital you have in leasing land and managing your project. 

6. Community Farming

This is an interesting idea I learned from a friend. This is what the guy does: he focuses his efforts on providing agronomy and marketing services for a specific high-value crop. He then goes to a rural agricultural area where farmers have small portions of land. He introduces the high-value crop, offers constant free agronomy,  and assures the farmers of ready market. He could go a step further and provide the seeds or seedlings. 

In this way, the farmers form a farming community, each doing their own project but producing the same crop hence ensuring consistent production. He markets the produce as his own, pays the farmers their dues, and keeps a decent amount of profit. 

7. Value Addition and Agro-processing

Agribusiness is not only about actual farming: investing in agro-processing and value addition is the smartest way of getting your share of the agribusiness millions. All you need to do is source raw materials from the ever-ready Kenyan farmers and create products like dried fruits, juices, or packaged spices. This approach eliminates the need to invest in buying expensive land while tapping into the growing demand for processed agricultural products.

8. Becoming a Farm Service Provider

Instead of putting huge amounts of money in buying land, you can start a small service business serving farmers. This can include farm machinery leasing, agro-consultancy, pest control services, or supplying inputs like seeds and fertilizers.  By solving farmers’ problems, you can build a thriving business without owning land.

9. Aquaponics and Fish Farming

Aquaponics combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soilless crop farming). It is highly space-efficient and sustainable, making it ideal for individuals without access to traditional farmland. Small-scale fish farming in tanks or ponds is also a viable option, requiring minimal space.

10. Becoming a Digital Agribusiness Guru

There is no industry today that cannot benefit from the power of technology. While many people think of farming as a backward way of making money, taking a digital approach in agribusiness can set you apart and give you a high earning opportunity.  

Leveraging technology to create a digital agribusiness involves creative engagement; you can create educational digitally accessible content for farmers, start an e-commerce platform for selling farm produce,  or build an app connecting farmers to buyers. There is just a whole world of things you can do relating to this. 

In Conclusion

Land is not a limitation for anyone wishing to make a living out of agribusiness in Kenya.  Consider the options I have given you and you can turn your passion for agriculture into a successful venture. Remember, agribusiness is not a walk in the park; your innovation, resourcefulness, and determination are key to achieving success in this field.

At Richfarm Kenya, we are committed to supporting agripreneurs of all walks of life with practical advice, quality seedlings, and insights into modern farming techniques. You can reach us on our socials or Whatsapp 0724698357.

Sweet Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Bee Keeping in Kenya (Free Money from the Bees)

Did you know that honey consumption in Kenya has skyrocketed over the past decade? This surge is not just about sweetening food; it's a golden opportunity for many aspiring beekeepers. Beekeeping plays a crucial role in Kenya's economy, environment, and social structures. Bee farming is a profitable venture of keeping bees for productive purposes. This article explores the essential elements of starting and maintaining a successful beekeeping business in this vibrant country.

Bee Harvesting

Benefits of Bee Keeping

• Promotes use of non-timber forest products.  
• Promotes tree planting as bee forage. Improves crop and tree pollination, thus playing a big role in improving crop yields and biodiversity conservation.  It is relatively cheap and not competitive with other farming activities in terms of resource needs.  
• It requires little land to undertake.
• It has low labor requirement.
• Honey is a source of food.
• Other by-products such as bee wax, bee venom, and royal jelly can be harvested boosting income for bee keepers. To add on, some of these products have therapeutic value.

A Guide To Lucrative Bee Keeping In Kenya

Getting Started: Setting Up Your Apiary

Avoid setting up in these areas;

1. Busy or high-traffic areas, such as near a road or footpath.

2. Areas with high levels of pesticide or chemical use.

3. Areas with insufficient sunlight or airflow.

Factors to Consider

1. Accessibility: Choose a location that is easily accessible for you to work on and manage the hives. Hive stands are also vital for easier access compared to hanging beehives as was done traditionally.

2. Space: Make sure that you have enough space for the number of hives you plan to keep, and that there is room for expansion if needed. A distance of 10-15 feet between hive stands is ideal.

3. Water Source: Bees need a reliable source of water to survive, so choose a location near a natural water source such as a pond or stream or provide a shallow dish of water in the apiary.

4. Windbreaks: Consider providing a windbreak such as a fence or trees to protect the hives from strong winds.

5. Sun Exposure: Bees need access to sunlight to regulate the temperature inside the hive, so choose a location with sufficient exposure to the sun.

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Essential Equipment

To get started, you'll need some basic equipment:

1. Hives

Beekeeping in Kenya is mainly undertaken using three types of hives, namely; traditional (log hives), Kenya Top Bar Hive (KTBH) and Langstroth hive. Langstroth hives are widely used as they offer easy access for honey harvesting.

Regular hive inspections are crucial. Look for signs of disease and check honey levels. A monthly check is recommended to ensure all is well

2. Protective Gear: Invest in a bee suit, gloves, and a veil to protect yourself from stings.

3. Tools: A smoker, hive tool, and bee brush are necessary for managing your bees.

GETTING A COLONY

Acquiring bee swarms is an exciting part of starting a new hive as a beekeeper. Bee swarms are groups of bees that have left their old hive to establish a new one. There are several ways that a new beekeeper can acquire bee swarms for a new hive, each with its own steps, equipment, and functions.

Bee Harvesting Equipment

1. Swarm Traps

Swarm traps are an effective way to capture and relocate bee swarms. These traps are designed to mimic the conditions of a natural beehive, making them attractive to passing swarms. You need to have nucleus or catcher box to be able to catch a swarm of bees and transfer them to the hive. Nucleus is a small hive composed of 3 to 5 frames.

To set up a swarm trap, follow these steps;

Choose a location for the trap that is shaded and sheltered from the wind. Set up the catcher box in an elevated area accessible to swarming bees. Use a lure such as lemon grass oil or beeswax to attract bees to the catcher box. Check the trap regularly and relocate any swarms that are captured to a new hive.

2. Buying colonies

Colonies can now be purchased from local beekeepers. This can be either in a ready catcher box or a full beehive. You need to start by finding a reputable beekeeper: When purchasing a bee colony, it's important to find a reputable beekeeper that has experience and knowledge in beekeeping. Before purchasing a bee colony, inspect it thoroughly to ensure that it is healthy and thriving.

3. Cut-Outs

A cut-out is a process of removing bees and their hive from a location such as a tree, wall, or roof and relocating them to a new hive. This method requires more equipment and expertise than swarm traps or bait hives. Wear protective gear such as a bee suit, gloves, and a veil. Use a smoker to calm the bees and make them easier to handle. Use a bee vac or a catcher box to collect the bees and transfer them to a new hive. Cut out the hive using a de-capping knife, being careful not to harm the bees or the queen. Then transfer as much of the brood combs.

Hives Placement

It is well known that bees encounter great trouble with pests and other predators such as ants, lizards, honey badgers, et cetera. Therefore we need to put our hives where all the above-mentioned enemies will not get access to the hive.

Place your bee hives on the trees or on already prepared stand. Where stands are used they should be at least 1 meter above the ground.  

Apis Mellifera Scutellate bee.

For Langstroth hives, attach the queen excluder placed between the brood chamber and the super after colonization of the hive. If hives are not near a water source, provide water for the bees and monitor the hive from time to time until the honey matures.

Inspect for, and manage any intruders such ants, beetles, spiders or honey badgers. These can be managed by greasing the suspension wires, physical removal, or use of wasp trap.

Some successful apiary locations in Kenya include areas around Lake Naivasha and the Rift Valley, where lush vegetation supports healthy bee activities.

Harvesting Honey

Timing is key when harvesting honey. Look for signs of capped honey cells, indicating that it’s ready. Harvest by removing mature combs only, which are capped or partly capped.  Remove the combs from bars leaving about 2 cm for the bees to start building on again.

Honey Extraction

Place the combs in the extractor e.g. centrifugal extractor. Ensure clean extraction equipment and environment.  Extract the honey and refine it at a temperature of 40°C for honey and 50°C for water in the centrifuge.

Filtering and Storage

Sieve it and measure the water content by using refractometer.  Package honey in appropriate containers for use and or sale. . Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures for optimal longevity.

Yield

After colonization of a hive, the first harvest can be done after 9 months. Subsequent harvest can happen after 3 or 4 months depending on the environment. The average honey yield per hive in Kenya can reach up to 30 kg annually, depending on various factors such as location and management practices.

Market

Honey is priced at Ksh. 500-800 per kilo. With two harvests each year, one beehive produces at least 16 kilos. If you have 10 beehives, you'll earn Ksh. 80,000. In your first year, you will regain 77% of the initial investment of Ksh. 102,750, allowing you to enjoy profits in the years to come.

Carrot Farming Process in Kenya

Farmers' markets and grocery stores offer direct access to consumers, also the export market where countries like Europe and the U.S. have high demands for quality honey. You can successfully market your honey by branding, word-of-mouth too to attract more buyers.

Value Addition

Diversifying products can help maximize your profits.  You can consider creating, beeswax candles which are simple to make and always in demand, or propolis extracts which are known for their health benefits. These products can create additional income streams while using by-products from beekeeping.

Pest and Disease Management

One main challenge affecting my bee farming is bee parasites that can cause bees to abscond the hives. It’s important for a bee keeper to constantly inspect the beehives. Common threats to bees in Kenya include Varroa Mites. An effective treatment involves chemical and non-chemical methods.

Diseases: Foulbrood Disease

Management includes regular hive inspections for early detection.

Sustainable Beekeeping Practices

Incorporating sustainable methods helps ensure long-term success. Examples from Kenya include:

• Organic Beekeeping: Focuses on natural practices without chemicals.
• Community Initiatives: Groups focused on conservation and education help promote biodiversity.

These sustainable practices benefit the environment and your business.

Conclusion

Starting a beekeeping operation in Kenya offers numerous rewards. Whether you seek a new hobby or a profitable business, understanding the key aspects discussed will elevate your journey. Explore the fascinating world of beekeeping, and consider sharing your experiences or insights!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the biggest problem facing be keeping?

Answer: The most pressing threats to long-term bee survival include: Climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, and invasive plants and bees. Also threats posed by Pests and Diseases.

• How profitable is bee keeping in Kenya?
• What are the requirements for starting bee farming?
• How is the yield in bee keeping?
• How many kilos of honey can one hive produce?
• How do I know when honey is ready for harvesting?

Answer: Once every frame is capped on each side you'll know that the honey super is ready to pull.

Garlic Farming: Profitable and Lucrative Agribusiness Venture

Why Grow Garlic?

Garlic is a valuable crop in the onion family, used for cooking and medicine. It has a white or purple head, similar in size to an egg, made up of smaller cloves. When added to dishes, garlic, also known as kitunguu saumu gives off a strong and pleasant smell.

Garlic

Farming garlic can be profitable but requires close attention. Farmers need certified seed cloves, good soil, and sufficient water to grow quality garlic bulbs.

Nutritional Benefits

Health benefits of garlic include:

1. Strengthening the immune system, hence helping fight off bacteria and viruses, and treating colds and flu.
2. Helps in supporting heart health by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
3. Garlic is rich in antioxidants that may help prevent cancer.
4. Helps in lowering cholesterol levels.

Garlic Varieties

In Africa, garlic is divided into two main types: soft neck and hard neck. Soft neck varieties are common in Kenya, including Africa giant, Arusha giant, and Rwanda giant. These come in various colors from white to purple.

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Best Areas for Garlic Cultivation

Garlic grows best in areas with low humidity, moderate rainfall, and stable temperatures. In Kenya, good growing regions include Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, and Bomet.

Suitable Climatic Conditions for Garlic Farming

The ideal climate for garlic features temperatures between 24°C and 30°C, moderate rainfall, and altitudes from 500 to 2000 meters. Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. Testing the soil is important for preventing diseases and ensuring good production.

Planting

Garlic is planted by placing the seed cloves directly in the ground. Cloves can come from existing garlic or purchased. Buying certified cloves from local agrovet stores is best, as they resist pests and diseases.

Garlic Farming Under Irrigation

Field Preparation

The soils should be well tilled to provide a loose growing bed for bulb development; therefore soils should be ploughed thoroughly 3-5 times and leveled properly. Land set aside for garlic production should not have been grown with another Alliaceae family (onions, shallots and leeks) for 3 years to control pest and diseases as well as maintain soil nutrients. 

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The field is ploughed to the depth of 15- 20 cm and ensure to remove volunteer plants in the field in order to avoid spread of diseases. Then mix the soil with manure before planting.

Garlic grows best in well drained fertile soils that are high in organic matter, incorporating crop residues or well-rotted manure into heavy soils will result in the soil being suitable for production

Planting

Create ditches 25 cm apart, with 15 cm between each plant and 30 cm between rows. Plant the cloves root end down, covering them lightly with soil. After 7-10 days, the garlic will germinate. During this time, consistent watering is important, and mulch can help if needed.

Fertilizer Requirements

Applying manure/compost is vital for garlic production since garlic has longer growing period. Manure releases their nutrients slowly which is suitable for garlic growth and can improve storability of garlic. As garlic is shallow rooted vegetable and has un-branched root system and low nutrient extraction capacity, it requires relatively high amount of nutrients for best growth and development. Therefore, basal application of manure/compost is essential.

Organic manure provides nitrogen for early growth. After four weeks, apply organic foliar fertilizers every ten days to support leaf growth and bulb development.

Irrigation

Garlic has a rather sparse and shallow root system; therefore, it is sensitive to water stress throughout the growing season. Any period of dry soil conditions, especially during bulbing period will result in yield reductions. Irrigate every 3-4 days from planting until more than 80% of planted cloves sprout, then it can be reduced to once a week. Irrigation should be stopped 3 weeks before harvest or at maturity stage when leaves start senescing or turning yellow and necks become soft. Note that drip irrigation is the most effective method.

Mulching

Covering the soil surface with straw or any other materials to conserve soil moisture and suppress the weeds is essential. This method can also effective for rust disease control since mulch can protect soil from rain drop splash.

Weeding

Garlic has shallow roots and sparse canopy; therefore it’s difficult to compete with weeds especially at the early stage of growth. Weeding is done after germination to avoid uprooting of garlic plants by hand. First weeding is done 1-2 weeks after emergence, and second weeding 4-5 weeks after crop emergence. Do not weed when the soil is wet to avoid compaction. Deep cultivation close to the plants should also be avoided.

Common Pests and Diseases

Pests

Garlic naturally repels pests due to its strong odor. Common pests include red ants, thrips, and aphids.

Diseases

Diseases affecting garlic farming include, leaf rust, white rot, downy mildew, and powdery mildew.

Management

Regular weeding, field checks, and good sanitation help protect against pests and diseases. There is a wide variety of organic pesticides and fungicides to apply to garlic crops in case of advanced pest infestation.

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Garlic Harvesting

Harvesting is done from 90-120 days after sowing depending on the temperature of the growing area. Increase in bulb size of garlic continues until the leaves of the plants begin to dry, turning tan brown from the tips toward the base of the leaves. Bulbs should be harvested when leaves turn yellow, necks soften and/or bend over. Those bulbs have distinct and well-formed cloves which can store well.

A Garlic Farming Field

Early harvesting results in bulbs which are immature and tend to shrivel when cured. Late harvesting may lead to stained bulbs, decayed wrapper leaves and loss of roots leading to splitting of cloves due to attack by black mold and sclerotium rot.

Post-Harvest Handling

The purpose of the curing is to store longer duration and prevent diseases and pests, hence prolonging the shelf life. After harvesting, the plants should be moved from the field into a dark, dry, well-ventilated area for drying and curing of the bulbs. Bulbs should be moved out of the sunshine as quickly as possible after digging. 

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Do not dry by laying the plants in the sunshine. Tops and roots can be removed after several weeks when drying and curing are complete. The top of a cured bulb is topped at about 2.5cm above the bulb. Hanging garlic bunches under ceilings of houses is also common practice to maintain planting material for next season.

Garlic Storage

Storage life under appropriate conditions could be 5-8 months at room temperature for seed purpose depending on the variety. Storage at 0 degrees Celsius and 60% relative humidity can prolong storage period. The higher the temperature the shorter the storage life. Adequate air flow and proper storage containers are important to remove transpired heat and moisture, otherwise, higher relative humidity provides suitable conditions for development of mold and root growth.

Market Outlook

The price of garlic fluctuates based on the season and quality, typically ranging from Ksh. 150 to Ksh. 250 per kilogram. A single garlic head can sell for Ksh. 10 to Ksh. 50. There is a strong demand for garlic in Kenya, as a large portion of the supply comes from imports, mainly from China. With an initial investment of Ksh. 75,000 on a quarter-acre farm, it is possible to produce between 1.2 and 1.5 tons of garlic, which can earn around Ksh. 120,000 to Ksh. 150,000. If managed well, garlic farming can be a profitable business with significant returns.

• Seedlings per acre: 100kg garlic cloves
• Spacing:  30 cm between rows, 15 cm between plants
• Market price per kg: Ksh. 150 - Ksh.250
• Yield per acre: 6-8 tons
• Common pests: Red ants, thrips, and aphids.
• Common diseases: Leaf rust, white rot, downy mildew, and powdery mildew.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is garlic farming profitable?
• How much is 1kg of garlic seeds?
• How many months does garlic take to mature?
• How many kg of garlic to plant per acre?
• Where is the best place to grow garlic in Kenya?
• How many tons of garlic per acre?
• What are the climatic requirements for garlic farming?
• What is the best soil for garlic farming?

 

 

 

Profitable Black Soldier Fly Farming in Kenya: An In-depth Look at this Goldmine

The demand for sustainable protein sources is soaring. With over 30% of the world’s population relying on agriculture, finding effective solutions for food security is imperative. In Kenya, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming stands out as a promising driven by the increasing demand for sustainable protein sources.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Studies indicate that Kenya generates over 5 million tons of organic waste annually, highlighting not only waste management issues but also the potential for insect farming. Black Soldier Flies (BSF) presents an innovative solution, transforming waste into high-value protein for animal feed and other products. Known for their rapid growth and environmental benefits, BSFs offer an innovative approach to sustainable farming.  Let’s delve into the profitable aspects of BSF farming in Kenya by examining essential elements such as setup, feeding, harvesting, processing, and market opportunities.

Benefits of the Black Soldier Fly

BSF larvae are gaining popularity as a protein source for animal feed. Here are some of their advantages:

1. They have a protein level of up to 70%, making them an excellent choice for livestock.

2. Animals like pigs, chickens, and fish show high efficiency in gaining weight when fed BSF larvae. Pigs can be market-ready up to four weeks sooner.

3. These larvae consume organic waste, such as food scraps and manure, significantly lowering landfill waste.

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4. Using BSF larvae in closed systems can cut greenhouse gas emissions and decrease fossil fuel use linked to traditional animal feed production. It also helps lower emissions from manure piles.

5. The protein and antimicrobial peptides in BSF fats can enhance the growth and health of animals.

6. Farmers benefit economically by saving costs through efficient feed conversion and less waste. They also require fewer resources to obtain protein supplements for their livestock and poultry.

7. Additionally, farmers can explore business options like training and selling young larvae or pupae. Large-scale production of BSF larvae for sale is emerging as a market opportunity, especially in Kenya's pig farming sector.

8. Lastly, BSF larvae improve feed taste. When street pigs dig through organic waste, they are usually looking for these larvae. The appealing smell and flavor enhance the feed's palatability, promoting animal growth. This, in turn, makes the meat from BSF-fed chickens and pigs tastier for consumers.

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As has been noted, pig manure is one of BSF’s favorite substrates, yet the emerging larvae, can be used by pig farmers as a source of protein for their pigs. The pig manure resulting from the whole process is much richer than the manure initially used as a substrate.

Life Cycle of the Black Soldier Fly

Let’s first understand its life cycle. Black Soldier Flies undergo four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage requires specific environmental conditions for optimal growth:

Egg Stage: Eggs are laid on organic waste. They hatch within 4 days.

Larval Stage: Larvae feed for about two weeks, growing rapidly.

Pupal Stage: After feeding, larvae pupate for a week.

Adult Stage: They emerge, mate, and the cycle begins anew.

The life cycle of the Black Soldier Fly is approximately 38 days.

Black Soldier Fly

Steps for Setting up a Black Soldier Fly Unit

Site Selection

When establishing a Black Soldier Fly unit, key considerations must be made. Site selection is crucial for the caging system, which can be set up indoors or outdoors.

1. Indoor Facilities

Indoor facilities offer controlled environments for year-round production. They help in managing temperature, humidity, and light, making them ideal for harsh weather conditions.

2. Outdoor Facilities

Outdoor setups are suitable for areas with mild climates. They utilize natural sunlight and can support larger operations but require careful planning based on local climate to avoid seasonal issues.

Climate and Other Considerations

Temperature and Humidity: Select a location or use climate control to keep temperature and humidity at the right levels for breeding Black Soldier Flies.

Wind and Rain Protection: When setting up an outdoor unit, use windbreaks and shelters to protect your Black Soldier Fly colony from the elements.

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Ventilation: Good airflow is important to avoid overheating and ensure a steady supply of oxygen. Consider using mesh or perforated panels for better ventilation.

Drainage: Proper drainage is vital to prevent water buildup, especially outdoors. Make sure containers have drainage holes to let excess moisture escape and avoid conditions that promote bacterial growth or drown larvae.

Stackable Design: To save space, look for stackable container designs. This allows for vertical expansion, which is especially helpful in indoor areas with limited space.

Temperature and Humidity Control: To maintain ideal conditions, add heating or cooling elements as needed. In colder climates or indoor spaces, incorporate heating devices to keep temperatures suitable for the Black Soldier Fly colony, promoting active larval growth and development

Procedure for Setting up The BSF Unit

Stage 1- Obtain a starter population

Obtain a starter population of larvae to start a BSFL production system Purchase larva from a local source. The larvae or pupae cost between Ksh1000 and Ksh3000 depending on the composition of the kit, and they are available from farmers who are already rearing the BSF. By starting with eggs, if the air temperature is favorable (near 30°C), you can quickly obtain enough individuals to start a BSF colony. It was observed that the number of eggs laid per female BSF ranged from 206 to 639. An alternative to purchasing a starter kit is collecting eggs from wild BSF.

Stage 2- Establish a mating enclosure

Mating enclosures can range from large screened-in rooms to smaller systems using mosquito nets, or even mesh baskets. Regardless of the scale or design, the mating enclosure must maintain adequate moisture (around 70% relative humidity) and a temperature of 24 to 38°C while keeping the BSF in. Make provisions for adult flies, including a water source and some vegetation or other surfaces on which to hide and mate. A sugar source like honey and also a hydration point will prolong the lifespan of adults. The pupae will not eat any food, so you need only a small amount of food nearby to entice adult female flies to lay eggs.

Stage 3- Collect the eggs

To collect the eggs of the adult female BSF, provide favorable material for laying eggs within the mating enclosure. Small blocks of wood work well and provide both an inviting egg-laying environment and easy egg collection method for the workers. Using small pieces of cardboard may be logical, but the wooden blocks are convenient for collecting eggs and result in higher quantities of eggs. At this stage, it is important to note that BSF do not lay their eggs directly on (or in) a food source, but nearby to one. Blocks should therefore be near a food source. 

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To collect eggs, remove the blocks, separate them from each other, and carefully scrape off the eggs with a toothpick or other small, pointed item. Eggs can be of different ages if workers do not remove the blocks each day. By having eggs of different ages, the larvae will hatch and grow at different stages, requiring added sorting and separation before maturity.

Stage 4- Transition from eggs to larvae

Transfer the collected eggs to a proper food source where they will hatch and crawl to the feedstock provided. This could be in a separate area. Use a mesh screen to separate the eggs from direct contact with the food source. Eggs will hatch within four days of laying. At this stage, while larvae are small, you can use plastic trays to hold small quantities of feed/waste and larvae. Ensure the depth of the substrate should be 2 to 3 inches.

Black Soldier Fly Frass

Stage 5- Select a proper feedstock

One advantage of BSFL is their ability to consume many types of waste. Use low-cost or even free waste by-products. BSFL prefer foods high in fats, proteins, and starches. You can mix waste resources together to ensure a balanced, or ‘complete’ feed source. This helps ‘bulk up’ the feedstock to ensure higher yields of larvae produced. For example, you could boost the protein content of plant waste by adding chicken manure.

Stage 6- Scale up production

As larvae hatch and feed, they need to be ‘scaled up’ into larger containers for adequate production. During this step, provide more feedstock for larvae to eat. How much feed to add will depend on larvae instar, and temperature. Check larvae at least once a day to ensure there is always an adequate food supply for growing larvae. When you add new feed, make sure to mix the old feed and new feed evenly throughout the container or add old feedstock and larvae on top of a bin with new feedstock. Larvae are light fearing and thus will move downward to the new feedstock.

Stage 7- Harvest the larvae

Over a period of 13 to 18 days, larvae will feed voraciously, eating twice their own body weight each day. Harvesting larvae before reaching maturity (shortly before the pre-pupae stage) requires sorting, sizing, or separation of larvae from their feed material. For larvae that are fed directly to livestock, removal from the feed source is unnecessary. Sorting and sizing are common for larger production systems but these activities are labor intensive. For easier separation, by the end of their production cycle, transfer larvae to a finer-textured feed source. Uniformly small food particles will then be easy to separate from the larvae. Use various sizes of screens to facilitate sorting and sizing.

Stage 8- Raising Pupae for Reproduction

At the pre-pupal life stage, BSF migrate from their food source in search of a dark, quiet place to transform into a mature fly. If checked regularly, it can be convenient, and provide a steady supply of pupae for reproduction. Transport these pupae to the mating enclosure before flies emerge.

Value Addition of Black Soldier Fly

Farming Black Soldier Fly larvae focuses on producing protein-rich larvae ideal for feeding poultry, fish, pigs, pets, and other livestock. The protein content in these larvae varies between 40% and 60%, depending on what they are fed. BSF larvae also provide a significant amount of fat, which can be used in various products, including feed additives, biofuels, and cosmetics.

A notable aspect of BSF farming is that it generates no waste. The main products are derived from the waste the larvae consume and the larvae themselves. The frass, or waste, from BSF larvae is nutrient-dense and serves as an effective organic fertilizer for plants. The larvae themselves offer high-quality insect protein with good digestibility and an excellent amino acid profile, making them a valuable nutritional source.

BSF Yield

A single container can yield 2 to 3 batches each month, resulting in about 1200 to 1500 kilograms of larvae and 2000 kilograms of frass, depending on the quality of the bio waste used. That’s significant! However, those who raise black soldier fly larvae outdoors often see considerable variations between batches due to differences in temperature and moisture levels.

Market Outlook

The Black Soldier Fly Market was valued at approximately 4.02 billion USD in 2024. It is projected to increase from 4.72 billion USD in 2025 to 20.12 billion USD by 2034. This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 17.5% from 2025 to 2034.

Locally, Black soldier fly price per kg is between Ksh. 100 to Ksh. 150 for dried BSF and the Black Soldier Colony ranges between Ksh. 1,500 -2,500 per kg.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much is a black soldier fly per kg in Kenya?
• Is black soldier fly profitable?
• What are the requirements for BSF farming?
• How much is the black soldier fly market worth?
• How long does it take to harvest black soldier fly?
• How do you start a Black Soldier Fly Farm?
• What are the benefits of the Black Soldier Fly?
• What is the lifespan of the Black Soldier Fly?
• What is the production yield of a Black Soldier Fly?

At Richfarm Kenya, we’re propagators of certified high quality fruit and vegetable seedlings. For services call or WhatsApp 0724698357/0723213602.