The Agricultural Social Entrepreneurship Foundation (ASEF International) has launched the Nonachi Insect Farming Training Centre in Rivers State, marking the start of Project Waste4Meal.
This initiative took place at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Rivers State Cooperative Federation (RCF) and Everand Business Support Services (EBS).
Project Waste4Meal aims to train and empower 23,000 youths and women in sustainable insect farming, creating insect farming clusters and a circular agricultural ecosystem. This initiative is set to enhance food security, create jobs, and promote environmental sustainability in the state.
With an investment target of N20.45 billion, the project will integrate poultry, aquaculture, rabbitry, and greenhouse farming and is projected to generate 25,000 jobs over the next four years.
The circular model will convert organic waste into valuable outputs, including protein for livestock feed, organic fertiliser, and larvae slurry.
Mrs. Rosemary Adebayo, CEO of ASEF and Chief Executive of Waste4Meal, emphasised the transformative potential of insect farming, noting that Black Soldier Flies efficiently convert organic waste into high-value products.
She highlighted the goal of scaling affordable feed production to improve access to essential protein sources for various farming sectors.
The project will feature 100 clustered larvariums, owned by cooperative members but integrated into the overall waste conversion system.
Mr. Azeez Oluwole, a project partner, stated that each larvarium is expected to produce 1.5 metric tons of insect larvae and six tons of organic fertiliser monthly, resulting in a total monthly output of 150 tons of larvae and 600 tons of organic fertiliser.
Mr. Afonwa Charles, Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, praised the initiative as a timely solution to high feed costs, representing over 70 per cent of livestock production challenges.
Mr. Maurice Ogolo, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural innovations through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), aligning with efforts to reintegrate youths into profitable agricultural ventures.
Brilliant Amadi, President of the Rivers State Cooperative Federation, highlighted the cooperative’s role in mobilising financial resources to expand the project’s impact.
Although full-scale farm development is scheduled for February 2026, the training and demonstration centre is now operational and accepting enrolments.
It welcomes youths and women interested in insect-based agribusiness.
