By Hembadoon Ode & Nafisat Abdulrahman
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), through its Training School, has conducted a two-day intensive training program on global best practices in alternative feed production using the Black Soldier Fly (BSF). The training, held at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja from April 14 to 16, 2025, was designed to build capacity among Council staff and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the livestock feed sector.
The training focused on the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable, cost-effective protein source for animal feed. With the growing demand for affordable and nutritious livestock feed, the initiative is part of RMRDC’s broader efforts to promote innovation, local content development, and food security in Nigeria.
During the opening session, the Director General, RMRDC, represented by Dr. I.C. Olife, Dean of the RMRDC Training School, highlighted the importance of utilizing locally sourced, sustainable feed ingredients to reduce production costs and enhance Nigeria’s agro-industrial base.
“We’ve designed this training to be practical and hands-on,” Dr. Olife said. “Participants will leave with skills they can implement even in small spaces. The ultimate goal is to make livestock feed more affordable, thereby reducing the cost of food and improving national food security.”
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Hajiya Saude Mohammed Hamza, a successful BSF farmer and facilitator at the event, delivered lectures on the fundamentals of animal feed, the potential of BSF as an alternative protein source, and global best practices in BSF farming. She stressed the urgent need to adopt innovative solutions like BSF to reduce reliance on traditional feed components such as soy and fishmeal.
The second day of the training featured a technical session on BSFL processing, led by Engr. Ismail Idris. He walked participants through the steps of harvesting, sanitizing, drying, and grinding BSF larvae into meals, emphasizing simple, low-cost methods suitable for SMEs.
Further technical insights were provided by RMRDC Training School Consultant, Engr. Olusola Kayode, who discussed the integration of BSF meal into various feed formulations. He underscored the nutritional value of BSFL and the importance of balanced feed composition and quality control for optimal animal growth.
A practical demonstration led by Hajiya Saude capped the second day, as participants observed live BSF at different stages of growth. She guided them through cultivation techniques, feeding habits, and environmental requirements for successful BSF farming.
Participants lauded the training as timely and impactful, citing the rising cost of conventional animal feed and the need for viable alternatives. Many expressed interest in adopting BSF technology in their businesses to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
This training is part of RMRDC’s strategic initiatives to support agro-industrial productivity and promote science-based solutions for sustainable development.
