Perception of Smallholder Chicken Farmers on Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an Alternative Protein Source in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Owing to rapid population growth, food poverty in Uasin Gishu County stands at 32% as of 2023; that has resulted in an increase in demand for animal-based protein particularly chicken products whose production heavily depends on conventional protein sources. The available conventional proteins are insufficient, unsustainable and expensive for the less resource-endowed locals. The scarcity of conventional protein ingredients has driven for the search of alternative protein sources for animal feed. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has been identified as an alternative protein source and its incorporation in livestock feed is gaining popularity worldwide. However, information regarding smallholder chicken farmers perception of BSFL-Based feed, its competitiveness and incorporation in Livestock feed is still scanty in Uasin Gishu County. The aim of this study, therefore, was to contribute to food security and competitiveness of BSFL through its enhanced utilization as an alternative, affordable and reliable source of protein for the livestock feeding industry in Uasin Gishu County. Specifically, it sought to: analyse smallholder chicken farmers' perception of BSFL-based feed, to determine the factors influencing the adoption of BSFL-based feed and finally to determine the costs and benefits of using BSFL compared to conventional protein in Uasin Gishu County. The study was based on data collected from a sample of 245 smallholder chicken farmers. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents using semi-structured questionnaires. Principal component analysis was used to analyse chicken farmers‘ perception of BSFL-Based feed, Binary probit regression model was employed to determine factors influencing the adoption of BSFL-Based feed, and Gross margin analysis was used to determine the costs and benefits associated with BSFL. The results indicate that chicken farmers' perception was positive with regard to the overall perception index, social acceptability, marketability and performance of BSFL. The results revealed that adoption of BSFL was at (38%). Findings revealed that age was statistically significant at 5%, education level (5%), monthly income (1%), participation in off farm activities (1%), awareness of BSFL attributes (1%), contact with agricultural extension officers (10%), and amount of credit borrowed (1%) significantly influenced the likelihood to utilise BSFL. The results suggest that farmers adopting insect-based feed realised more profits as opposed to non-adopters. Finally, interventions like trainings and farm demonstrations that increase farmers' technical know-how on improving the productivity of chicken reared on BSFL are essential in reducing chicken farmers' uncertainties of accepting BSFL and encouraging its uptake.