Born and raised in Namakandwa village, Kangulumira Town Council, Kayunga district, Lubega Abby says that over the years, Kayunga district has faced a problem of poor and massive waste disposal generated by out growers and food processing companies.
In an interview on his field experiential learning experience with Proscovia Nabatte (Makerere University PR Office), Lubega Abby an AFROHUN Cohort 2021 Fellow and a graduate of Uganda Christian University -Mukono, said that Kayunga being known for extensive food production, it is attracting small and medium companies that have mastered the art of value addition to agricultural produce for higher paying markets, nationally and regionally.
He however, noted that during the manufacturing process, the companies produce massive waste with no proper management strategies. “Many factories engage in open dumping within the limited space they have at their company premises. They also let the waste into swamps and other water bodies. Some waste is dumped on the roadside as well as neglected land sites,” he noted.
This problem was emphasized by Mr. Moses Muliro, the Chairperson of Namakandwa village, who said that failure to have a proper waste management strategy by the processing companies has posed serious health challenges to community members. “These dumping sites are accessible to our children and animals. We always live in fear of cholera, dysentery and diarrhea outbreaks.”
Introducing the Black Soldier Fly for organic waste management
According to Lubega, the field experiential learning model enabled him to critically on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) as an effective organic waste decomposer especially to food production and processing companies.
“During the orientation with our supervisors, we were tasked to come up with a sustainable One Health solutions within our communities. Poor waste disposal being the major challenge in my community, I reflected on using the BSF to manage the waste. This is an idea I extracted from the knowledge I attained when pursuing an international training course in organic agriculture and the experience I gained while working with Marula ProTeen a renown Black Soldier Fly breeding company in Uganda,” he noted.
In a meeting held with the village leadership, community members and the leadership of some of the food processing companies, Lubega introduced the idea of BSF as a potential organic waste decomposer. In the same meeting, members also discussed the benefits and sustainability approach of the idea. Amani village offered to be a demonstration site where the idea was first applied and tested. The positive results called for an extension to other companies.
Amani houses a company that deals in fruit processing. The company exports dried and processed pineapples, vanilla and coffee. It also employees up to 200 people. Within the same premises, is a kindergarten that was put in place as a form of corporate social responsibility. The kindergarten hosts more than 100 children below the age of 6.
According to Lubega, the company produces massive waste that is dumped in a small open site within the company premises. He noted that the company’s waste management measures such as open dumping, burning, and collection by another company, were not sustainable and had cost, time and health implications.
On the days the waste was left open to decompose or waiting to be collected, it attracted so many flies. “We could not know when the flies moved from that pit and visited the kitchen or the eating area. When it comes to children they are sometimes uncontrollable when they want to play. In a second, they are already at the pit,” he explained.
He noted that in several research studies, the Black Soldier Fly larvae has been recognized as an effective decomposing factor of mass organic waste. Newton, 2004, highlights that Black Soldier Flies are good decomposers due to a large mass of larvae that can vigorously break down organic matter within a short period of time.
He explained that 500g of Black Soldier Fly larvae can decompose more than a tone of waste in ten (10) days and they eat up to 60% of the waste. Their maturity period is 14 days, and their decomposing mechanism is determined by their growth. “In addition, the rearing process is so easy and time effective without involving too much elaborate preparations. A small space with recycled basins, jerrycans and nets can help to serve the purpose. These materials can easily be accessed in the community at no cost or cheaply,” he stated.
The sustainability process of the project
According to him, Black Soldier Flies are everywhere as long as someone masters the technique of harvesting them. Secondly, a Female Black Soldier Fly lays about 500-1000 eggs and all these have high chances of survival hence laying fertile ground for expansion of the process.
Lubega notes that it is only the second cycle of the BSF (larvae) that feeds. The pupae stage is always dormant and the adult BSF only feeds on water. This explains its short life span of 7 days.
“Research clearly highlights BSF as non-vectors and not harmful to human beings and animals. The larvae that is relevant for decomposition purposes, is a disinfectant. There is comfort in rearing the BSF since you will not experience any smell from the rearing grounds. During the process of decomposition, 40% that is left behind is manure that can be used in gardens or be sold off,” he explained.
BSF rearing -a sustainable side business
Lubega states that BSF rearing can be a supporting side business to companies and community members. The larva is a potential alternative source of proteins for both fish and animal feeds. “1kg of fresh BSF larvae can be bought at UGX15000/=. With the short maturity period, this could be a very good business to invest in. Secondly, the operation costs are very low, one person can handle the entire rearing process,” he mentioned.
According to Lubega 500g of young BSF larvae introduced in a small medium basin can in return yield about 5-10kgs mature BSF larvae, when they are well-fed. Within the 14 days period, the 500g would have consumed more than a tonne of waste and they are ready for harvesting. The remaining waste after the decomposition process is manure, very useful for vegetable and fruit agriculture.
He thanked AFROHUN, Makerere University and USAID for the opportunity granted to him to cause positive change in the community. In the same spirit Lubega, thanked Amani Community and the entire Namakandwa Village for the warm reception and support that enabled him to undertake his field experiential learning. “Special thanks to the supervisors and mentors who guided me to throughout the process.”