The Black Soldier Fly Revolution in Support of Waste Reduction, Food Security, and Water Conservation

Imagine a world where waste becomes a weapon against food waste and hunger, and a tiny fly acts as a champion for water conservation. The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) revolution is here as a viable tool for countries in combating their waste management woes, supporting food security, and creating a greener future – all with minimal water usage.

Water scarcity is a growing threat impacting hundreds of millions globally. Limited water availability for agriculture threatens food security. Water-scarce regions in many cases also grapple with the consequences of inadequate waste management practices and improper waste infrastructure, which further strain already limited water resources.

The Black Soldier Fly: Nature's Water-Thrifty Warrior

Enter the Black Soldier Fly (Figure 1), a potential game-changer. Unlike other fly species, BSFs are not considered a disease vector or pest and have the potential to deter known transmitters like houseflies (Shumo et al., 2019). BSF larvae (BSFL) are even being studied for their potential antimicrobial properties, which may offer benefits in waste bioconversion processes (Azmiera et al., 2023). BSFs thrive in environments with warm temperatures and moderate humidity but do not require standing water like water-guzzling livestock that can attract mosquitoes. BSFL receive their required water intake through their diet. They consume a diet of organic waste, including food scraps, fruits, vegetables, and even manure (see Figure 2). They efficiently convert this waste into protein and fat-rich biomass, significantly reducing waste volume and diverting it from landfills and dumping sites all while reducing water inputs to the food sector.

Circular Economy for Waste Management

BSF farming embodies a circular economy. Organic waste becomes the BSFL's feast, significantly reducing landfill dependence and the associated environmental issues. The BSFL then becomes a valuable resource – a nutrient-rich source of protein for poultry, fish, and even pet food. This closed-loop system minimizes waste and maximizes resource utilization, all while conserving precious water resources.

Reducing Food Waste and Supporting Food Security

BSF farming offers a successful multi-pronged approach without relying heavily on water.

• Alternative protein source for animal feed: BSF larvae provide a reliable, water-efficient source of protein for animal and poultry feed. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that replacing just 10% of fishmeal in aquaculture with insect meal could save over 15 trillion liters of water annually – a significant benefit for water-scarce countries (FAO, 2013). China has the highest usage of fishmeal in the world for aquaculture and is the leading producer of pork which accounts for the second-highest industry that relies on fishmeal. To meet the demands of these industries, China must supplement fishmeal and oil production through imports (European Commission, 2021). Fish oil is currently the only financially viable source of omega-3, but bioaccumulation of this asset is being tested in BSFL (El-Dakar et al., 2020; Ceccotti et al., 2022). These industries also account for the majority of China’s water footprint (Wang & Ge, 2020). BSFL can even consume waste and manure from the pork industry reducing waste volumes. BSFL have the potential to become a more sustainable alternative to fishmeal. BSF production is less resource-intensive than fishmeal production and contributes to a circular resource and economy model.
• Reduced Water Consumption: BSF farming requires up to 95% less water compared to traditional livestock production, freeing up precious resources for other uses. A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that BSF larvae require only a fraction of the water needed to raise cattle or pigs (Magrin et al., 2017).
• Improved Feed Efficiency: Animals fed BSF larvae convert their feed more efficiently, further reducing the overall water footprint of meat production. Research from Wageningen University & Research shows that BSF-fed poultry can achieve better feed conversion ratios, requiring less feed and consequently less water to produce the same amount of meat (Van Huis & Van Loon, 2018).

Environmental Champion

BSF farming has many environmental benefits.

• Reduced Landfill Waste: BSF facilities divert organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions, leachates, and associated air and water pollution.
• Water Conservation: BSF farming requires minimal water compared to traditional livestock. By investing into BSF operations, less water is needed for livestock processing down the line as nutrients are supplemented by the BSFL, ultimately resulting in less water used overall. This frees up water for other uses and for the environment.
• Organic Fertilizer: After processing, the BSFL byproducts become a valuable organic fertilizer known as frass. Frass is a mixture of BSFL manure, substrate residue, and chitin-rich sheddings. This frass promotes soil health in several ways. It increases the carbon content of the soil, which is essential for plant growth and improves water and mineral retention. This enhanced water and mineral retention allows plants to utilize these resources more effectively, potentially leading to increased crop yields. BSF frass offers a compelling alternative to synthetic fertilizers, which are often water and energy-intensive to produce. Additionally, many countries depend on imports for synthetic fertilizers, creating a strain on their resources and economies. By utilizing BSF frass, these countries can lessen their dependence on imported fertilizers and promote a more self-sufficient agricultural system.

Economic Potential

The economic potential of BSF farming is multi-faceted.

• Waste-to-Wealth: BSFs transform waste into valuable commodities – insect-based protein for animal feed and frass for crop nourishment. This creates new revenue streams while addressing a growing waste management challenge (Beesigamukama et al., 2022).
• Rural Development: BSF facilities can be established in rural areas, creating new job opportunities and stimulating local economies.
• Market Leader Advantage: The global market for insect protein is projected to reach over $8 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research, Inc., 2022). Early adopters can gain a competitive edge in this rapidly growing sector. The evolving regulatory landscape can also present an opportunity for regions like the Middle East and North Africa. By proactively developing clear, science-based regulations for BSF farming, a country can become a leader in this sustainable practice, attracting both investment and expertise.

Challenges can be turned into opportunities

Optimal rearing conditions may pose a challenge for worldwide BSF production.

• Optimized Production Process: Creating the ideal temperature, humidity, and mating conditions for BSF development poses a challenge for consistent production. The optimal temperature range for BSFL production is 27-30°C and optimal relative humidity is 60-70% (Tomberlin et al., 2009; Holmes et al., 2012). Determining the most sustainable way to meet the humidity requirements in water-scarce and arid regions is needed to limit water usage. BSFs rely on sunlight to initiate mating behaviors. This can be achieved in regions with consistent daylight. BSF production areas without sunlight must use an artificial light source with specific wavelengths to replicate the sun as opposed to common indoor lights (Zhang et al., 2010) (Heussler et al., 2018). Even though BSFs require humid environments, the water intake by BSFs is fulfilled through their diet. This is unlike other protein sources that require water in addition to their diet and their optimal rearing conditions that must be maintained.

The current regulatory landscape can also present hurdles.

• Evolving Regulatory Framework: The BSF industry is relatively new, and regulations governing insect farming and insect-derived products are still evolving in many countries. This can create uncertainty for potential BSF investors and farmers as seen in The United Kingdom’s regulatory development following departure from the European Union.
• Product Approval Processes: Gaining approval for BSF larvae as a source of animal and poultry feed or insect meal as animal feed can be a complex and lengthy process. Authorities may require extensive safety and efficacy data, which can be time-consuming and expensive for BSF farmers to generate.

These challenges provide the opportunity for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and partnership.

• Collaboration between governments, research institutions, and BSF industry players is crucial. Sharing best practices and scientific data can expedite the development of sound regulations while promoting consumer confidence in BSF products.
• International organizations and development partners like FAO can play a vital role in building capacity and establishing standards, regulatory frameworks, and harmonized guidelines.

In closing, the Black Soldier Fly emerges as a promising option for waste management, food security, and resource conservation. These industrious insects transform waste into valuable resources – protein-rich animal feed and a natural fertilizer. By embracing BSF farming, countries can achieve a circular economy, reducing landfill dependence and promoting sustainable food production. Collaboration across sectors can unlock the BSF's full potential, supporting efforts towards a more sustainable future.

References

• Azmiera, N., Al-Talib, H., Sahlan, N., Krasilnikova, A., Sahudin, S., & Heo, C.C. (2023) Antimicrobial Activity of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larval Hemolymph against Various Pathogenic Bacteria.  J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2023;17(4):2493-2501. doi: 10.22207/JPAM.17.4.47
• Beesigamukama, D., Mochoge, B., Korir, N., Menale, K., Muriithi, B., Kidoido, M., ... & Tanga, C. M. (2022). Economic and ecological values of frass fertiliser from black soldier fly agro-industrial waste processing. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 8(3), 245-254. link
• Ceccotti, C., Bruno, D., Tettamanti, G., Branduardi, P., Bertacchi, S., Labra, M., ... & Terova, G. (2022). New value from food and industrial wastes–Bioaccumulation of omega-3 fatty acids from an oleaginous microbial biomass paired with a brewery by-product using black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae. Waste Management, 143, 95-104. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X22001131
• El-Dakar, M. A., Ramzy, R. R., Ji, H., & Plath, M. (2020). Bioaccumulation of residual omega-3 fatty acids from industrial Schizochytrium microalgal waste using black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae. Journal of cleaner production, 268, 122288. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652620323350?casa_token=eB_R1Pu5DwMAAAAA:FsxabGmnounfniofyuJOwOEw_lqUDoVv-y0SUbME1bWtv6ioYxa1dV0oj5fBpWNpqOeVdpajxw
• European Commission, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, (2021). Fishmeal and fish oil : production and trade flows in the EU, Publications Office of the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2771/062233  https://eumofa.eu/documents/20178/432372/Fishmeal+and+fish+oil.pdf
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2013). Edible insects: Future prospects for food and feed security [FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 576]. https://www.fao.org/fsnforum/resources/reports-and-briefs/edible-insects-future-prospects-food-and-feed-security
• Grand View Research, Inc. (2022). Insect protein market size, share & trends analysis report by application (animal feed, human food), by region (north america, europe, asia pacific, latin america, middle east & africa), and segment forecasts, 2022-2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/insect-protein-market
• Heussler, C. D., Walter, A., Oberkofler, H., Insam, H., Arthofer, W., Schlick-Steiner, B. C., & Steiner, F. M. (2018). Influence of three artificial light sources on oviposition and half-life of the Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): Improving small-scale indoor rearing. PLoS One, 13(5), e0197896.
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Prof. Olcay Ünver, Arizona State University and Water Policy Group  Ünver is also Industry Fellow at Australian Rivers Institute and senior advisor to FAO  and UNESCO. He served as Vice-Chair of UN-Water, led FAO’s water programs and activities, and UNESCO’s World Water Assessment Programme. He is the recipient of IWRA Crystal Drop Award in 2023.