Piloting the Production and Distribution of a Low Cost ‘Protein and Micro-Nutrient Rich Cricket Feed from Food Waste in Kampala

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is facing hunger and malnutrition challenges combined with a high and the fastest growing population in the world. Simultaneously, there is a high annual per capita food loss/waste of 120–170 kg. Using the increasing food waste as a raw material (feed) for the production of animal protein can exploit the generated food waste while addressing malnutrition challenges, especially the demand for quality protein.A technology was developed to convert heterogeneous food waste into hygienic, dried, and milled solid food materials for compound feed mixing. The resulting proto-type cricket feed contains a minimum of 21% protein content, 8% fat, 3% fibre, 6% ash, and 380 Kilo calories of energy, performing similarly to a control diet. Crickets raised on these feeds are safe and highly nutritious, containing 49–61% protein. Utilizing this feed offers a high return on investment (50.1%) for cricket rearing operations while promoting sustainable, urban solid waste valorization.