Online Reporter
The Korean Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) Zimbabwe Centre, an operation under the Rural Development Agency (RDA) of the Republic of Korea, in partnership with the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), under the Government of Zimbabwe will be hosting an International Conference on Innovation and Sustainability with the theme “Promoting Insect-Based Livestock Feeds”.
This conference is slated for the 16th of July 2026, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). This conference underscores a growing global movement: the use of insects as sustainable feed ingredients. While this highlights Africa’s advances in climate smart agriculture, the implications of insect farming extend far beyond the continent, touching parts of the world grappling with rising feed costs, environmental pressures, and food security challenges.
The Global Feed Crisis
Across continents, livestock producers face mounting difficulties as traditional protein sources such as soybean meal and fishmeal become increasingly scarce and expensive. Feed costs now account for 60–70% of production expenses, a burden that is unsustainable for producers especially smallholder farmers. In Europe, aquaculture industries are struggling with volatile fishmeal prices; in Asia, poultry producers face competition for soy imports; and in Latin America, deforestation linked to expansion of soybean fields raises environmental concerns. These pressures highlight the urgent need for alternative protein sources that are both affordable and sustainable.
Insects as Bio converters
Insects, particularly the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), and crickets (Acheta domesticus) have proven to be efficient bio-converters. They transform organic waste streams such as food waste, crop residues, and livestock manure into high quality protein suitable for animal feed. At the same time, they produce frass, an organic fertilizer that restores soil fertility. This dual benefit positions insect farming at the heart of the circular bio economy, where nothing is wasted and everything is transformed.
SIRDC in partnership with KOPIA is currently conducting a project on Black Soldier Fly production demonstrating how waste can be converted into protein rich feed for indigenous chickens, while frass boosts crop yields. Similar initiatives under this partnership are underway in Hwedza and efforts by private players evident across the country. Awareness and dissemination efforts are underway as interested stakeholders have been trained on production practices and possible applications of various products (A training calendar is available on the SIRDC website and social media pages).
In the Netherlands, insect farming startups are scaling mealworm production for aquaculture and pet food. In Kenya and China, large scale Black Soldier Fly facilities are currently being run with China having integrated their production into municipal waste management systems. In Brazil, crickets are being explored as feed for poultry and fish, while in Canada, insect protein companies are partnering with feed manufacturers to commercialise larvae based products. These examples show that insect farming is not a niche experiment but a rapidly expanding global industry.
Research Synergies, Policy and Business.
This conference will feature presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, and a field visit to a Black Soldier Fly Insectary. It will also be livestreamed to increase reach to a wider audience. Presenters include scientists from the SIRDC, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Harare Institute of Technology, Wageningen University and Research, Korean Rural Development Agency, KOPIA, Kenya Agricultural and Research Organization, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, University of Pretoria and more.
Stakeholders include but are not limited to farmer organisations, relevant ministries, policy makers, feed companies, research institutions, Black Soldier Fly producers and waste management companies.
The conference’s six objectives are: promoting insect protein, highlighting innovations, valorising organic waste, fostering partnerships, supporting enterprises, and strengthening collaboration that mirror global priorities. In Europe, the European Food Safety Authority has approved several insect species for feed use, paving the way for commercial adoption. In North America, venture capital is flowing into insect protein startups, while universities conduct research on feed formulation and safety.
In Asia, governments are exploring regulatory frameworks to integrate insect farming into national food security strategies. The convergence of science, policy, and business is accelerating the mainstreaming of insect based feed systems worldwide. This convergence will also be evident at this conference bringing together key players for improved synergy among critical industries.
Socio Economic and Environmental Impact
The implications of insect farming extend beyond livestock nutrition. By valorizing organic waste, insect farming addresses urban waste management challenges, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to climate resilience. The industry also creates new jobs and enterprises, particularly for women and youth. From waste collection and larvae production to feed processing and distribution, the value chain offers multiple entry points for inclusive participation. Globally, insect farming is emerging not just as a technological innovation but as a livelihood strategy that strengthens communities while advancing sustainability.
Towards a Protein Revolution
From this Insect Feed Innovation Conference, themed “Innovation and Sustainability: Promoting Insect Based Livestock Feeds,” we anticipate tangible outcomes: increased awareness among farmers and policymakers, promotion of investment in insect enterprises, strengthened research collaboration, and development of recommendations to inform policy. These outcomes resonate globally, as countries seek to reduce reliance on costly imports and enhance food security.
As Zimbabwe prepares to host this conference, we look to insect farming redefining how societies manage waste, produce feed, and sustain livestock systems. By turning organic waste into feed and fertilizer, insect farming embodies the principles of biocircularity: nothing is wasted, everything is transformed. For the livestock sector, this could mark the beginning of a new era where sustainability, innovation, and resilience converge to secure the future of food production.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us;
KOPIA Projects Coordinator
Ms Yemurai Magaya
KOPIA ZIMBABWE Coordinator
Tel +263774003345/ +263783815629
E-mail : [email protected];
SIRDC Public Relations and Marketing
Director
Mrs. Tarisayi Zvoma
Scientific and Industrial Research and Devel-
opment Centre (SIRDC)
Tel +263 -486-0320-9 Mobile
+263710 233 902/+263-772-423-719
E-mail : [email protected];
