Bottlenecks and opportunities for enhancing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production in local communities in Uganda : Study conducted in Uganda, 2025

The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae (BSFL) is recommended among researchers as an alternative protein source for feed that can generate economic, social, and environmental benefits for community farmers within a circular economy. Still, adoption remains low. This study examined bottlenecks, needs and opportunities for more uptake of BSFL among community farmers in Uganda, based on a literature review, data collection, 28 in-depth interviews, and three workshops in Busia, Lira and Gulu (May 2025). The outcomes reveal that to achieve profitability with BSFL production, favourable conditions offering distinguished knowledge, training, inputs, market access, and infrastructure are needed. An integrated circular cottage (IN-CIC) farmer approach is identified as highly promising for community-level scaling. Recommended actions include promoting sustainable feed alternatives, improving waste availability, and investing in awareness, collaboration, and research.