GCA launches black soldier fly units in Nairobi to boost climate resilience and youth employment

KENYA – The Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), an international organization focused on accelerating climate adaptation solutions, has inaugurated 12 Black Soldier Fly (BSF) units in Mukuru, Nairobi.

The initiative aims to enhance climate resilience in the region while providing job opportunities for young people in one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements.

GCA CEO Prof. Patrick Verkooijen highlighted the importance of the project for Africa’s climate adaptation efforts.

“The Black Soldier Fly initiative in Mukuru exemplifies the power of locally led climate solutions,” Verkooijen said.

“By turning waste into resources and empowering youth with skills, we are addressing multiple challenges, from flood mitigation to food security.”

The BSF units process organic waste, converting it into high-protein larvae for livestock feed and nutrient-rich fertilizer.

This reduces landfill waste, helps prevent flash flooding by unclogging drainage systems, and decreases the environmental degradation caused by traditional waste disposal methods like incineration.

Each unit is expected to process up to three tonnes of organic waste per cycle, contributing significantly to local climate resilience efforts.

This initiative is part of the Mukuru People’s Adaptation Plan, a community-driven strategy to address the recurring floods that affect the settlement.

The project aligns with GCA’s mission to connect international financial institutions with technical expertise to help urban informal settlements adapt to climate risks.

It is supported by the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP), a joint effort by GCA and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to mobilize US$25 billion over five years for scaling up climate adaptation in Africa.

Patrick Njoroge, Deputy Director of the Akiba Mashinani Trust, emphasized that youth engagement is a key initiative component.

Over 100 young people have already completed specialized training in BSF farming and waste management, gaining skills certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

“The youth are at the forefront of managing the BSF units, and through this, they are gaining a livelihood by selling the larvae and organic fertilizer produced,” Njoroge said.

The BSF units address a critical challenge in Mukuru, where waste management is a significant issue, with 72% of household waste being organic.

The project also aligns with Kenya’s Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, which promotes waste segregation, recycling, and landfill waste reduction.

By processing waste locally, the initiative aims to mitigate flooding caused by clogged drainage systems, reduce methane emissions, and protect the Ngong River from pollution.

David Kinyanjui, a trained youth, explained the process, “We collect and segregate waste, and introduce black soldier flies to feed on the organic material. In 14 days, the waste is transformed into organic fertilizer rich in potassium and calcium.”

As Kenya grapples with waste management challenges, the BSF units offer a scalable, sustainable solution that mitigates climate risks and provides economic opportunities for the local community.

The project represents a critical step toward building climate resilience in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

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