Embracing integrated farming for zero waste

Kiambu,

Friday, September 1, 2023

KNA by Cecilia Njoki

Kiambu County young entrepreneurs are pioneering integrated farming approaches to ensure zero waste and maximum production.

Nicholas Ndekei, Chief Executive Officer Zihanga Ltd said they have been doing mass production of the black soldier fly larva, an insect that feeds on organic waste and breaks it down into different products

“We recycle over 1000 tons of organic waste each year from abattoirs and markets to make insect protein meal, organic pesticides, and fertilizer,” he said

He explained that the waste that the chicken produces is eaten by the black soldier fly, and in turn the feed from the black soldier fly goes to the chicken.

It's a circular economy," Ndekei elaborated saying one only needs a small quantity of maize which is ground and then mix with the black soldier fly. This will decrease the cost of production for the poultry by a very big margin. 

This system not only significantly reduces the cost of feeding the chickens, but is able to transform tons of organic waste into valuable resources, offering high-quality products that nourish the earth and enrich agriculture.

"When you walk into a poultry farm, you see heaps of organic waste. But with this system, within two days, all that waste is already recycled," Ndekei said.

With a commitment to environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and inclusive practices, the youth-led company strives to inspire and drive positive change sustainably

Brian Amenya, Operations director at Zihanga Ltd said, "We saw that it is a very viable project because it ticks all the sustainable development goals boxes. I've always had a passion for agriculture, and this project seemed like the perfect fit."

Ndekei and Amenya have developed an integrated battery cage system that has created a mutually beneficial environment for both poultry and black soldier fly insects.

The integrated cage system is being hailed as a better alternative to the conventional battery cage system. It provides more room for the chickens to roam, and waste collection has been made easier.

However, the success of the integrated farming approach is dependent on a number of factors, including land availability,  

Despite these challenges, the innovative farming practices adopted by these young farmers has the potential of sustainable agriculture in transforming the farming landscape in Kiambu County and beyond.

The Company aspires to be at the forefront of environmental stewardship as well as inspiring other young people through education on sustainable agricultural practices that not only enhance soil health but improve crop yields.

Courtesy ; K. N. A