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New association formed to advance Black Soldier Fly Larvae farming

Benin
Sustainable agriculture
26.03.2024
In acquaculture, staying informed about the latest trends and technical advances is essential to increase productivity and remain competitive. However, many fish farmers don't have access to this kind of information. One challenge they face is the high cost of fish feed. As a cost-effective alternative to fishmeal, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) can be used in the production of fish feed. Swisscontact has supported the set-up of a network of farmers to boost the production and improve the quality of these larvae.

By exchanging best practices, technical knowledge and experience, the insect producers can improve their production. They also make group purchases of material and equipment. This allows them to reduce production costs and improve profitability. 

With support from Swisscontact's Béninclusif project, the Association of Insect Producers for Animal and Human Nutrition (APIAAH) was created at a Constitutive General Assembly held on 3 February 2024 in Porto-Novo, in southern Benin. This association of 16 producers serves as a platform for new business opportunities, new markets, creating partnerships or product diversification.

The set-up of the association's organisational structure started in Septemeber 2023 when a newly formed committee drew up the rules of procedure, laying the foundation for a solid structure for the nascent LMSN breeding industry. At the General Assembly, members adopted the Articles of Association and the Rules of Procedure and the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board were elected. They discussed the importance of collaboration between the different stakeholders, the need to promote environmental sustainability and the positive economic impact on the local communities.

"Our ambition is to set up production on a national scale to boost the sector and attract new players."
Daniel Zoumènou, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors
Participants at the workshop in 2023 to set up the association's organisational framework
Group work

The association is now working on obtaining legal recognition, registering on the list of farmers' organisations with the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of Ouémé (DDAEP/Ouémé), and establishing an executive secretariat.

The creation of this cooperative is the result of a synergy between insect producers and state actors (Agence Territoriale de Développement Agricole, Cellule Communale, DDAEP/Ouémé).

"The creation of this association offers us an essential opportunity to improve the production of black soldier fly larvae and insects in general, intended for feeding fish and domestic animals. We hope that the Béninclusif project will continue to support us by facilitating workshops and information sessions aimed at strengthening producers' skills in management, production and marketing.  "
Doha Yetongnon Awohouédji, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Group photo at the end of the workshop

This initiative marks an important stage in the development of black soldier fly larvae breeding in Benin. The expected outcome is that this network will help to create a solid and sustainable structure to support the sector while promoting its resilience in the face of future challenges.

This project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA. 

Benin
Sustainable agriculture
Beninclusif: dynamic markets for agricultural products
The main goal of the project is to improve living conditions for farmer families through sustainable market support services. The project’s inclusive systems approach focuses on two sectors within the poorly developed agricultural market. During the first phase (2021-2024), the focus will be on fish farming and citrus tree farming, both sectors having high economic potential.

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