WWF Zimbabwe, in collaboration with Pristine Victoria Falls Society, Afro-Edge, The Farm and Chapul Farms, with support from WWF US, is pioneering a circular food economy model that showcases the potent synergy among black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) technology, vermicomposting and hospitality food waste management, all in service of Victoria Falls’ biodiversity conservation agenda.
In a statement, WWF Zimbabwe said this focused on scalable solutions to divert hospitality food waste from the landfill, in view of reducing human-wildlife conflicts and greenhouse gas emissions.
“At Victoria Falls, leftover food from hotels and restaurants is collected and fed to BSFL — tiny insects with a remarkable appetite for organic waste,” the statement read.
“These larvae transform scraps into high-value nutrients for animal feed, while the remaining frass is converted to vermicompost by earthworms, closing the loop sustainably.”
According to WWF, BSFL technology brings multiple benefits to the table.
“BSFL larvae are a powerhouse of protein-rich animal feed, boasting 56%-82% protein content —almost double that of soybeans and surpassing hi-pro soymeal and fishmeal, making them ideal for chickens, fish, pigs and other monogastric animals,” WWF Zimbabwe said.
“BSFL contains high-quality oil extractable during protein meal preparation, offering a sustainable alternative to plant-based oils and wild fish oil. These larvae are organic waste recycling maestros, converting heaps of food waste within seven to 14 days — a bioconversion rate faster than composting.
“Waste from BSFL serves as a natural fertiliser and bio-stimulant rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, potentially replacing fossil fuel-based chemical fertilisers and promoting healthy soils for farming.”
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Other noteworthy aspects of BSFL include its role in providing sustainable protein, offering an eco-friendly alternative to land and water-intensive feeds like soy or fish meals.
By efficiently consuming food waste diverted from landfills, BSFL technology helps to protect wildlife from hazardous substances and mitigates human-wildlife conflicts, such as those involving elephants in Victoria Falls.
Establishing BSFL upcycling waste facilities unlocks socio-economic benefits, creating employment opportunities especially for youth.
From a public health standpoint, black soldier flies, native to South America and farmed globally, are not regarded as invasive and do not transmit vector diseases like houseflies largely because adults lack mouthparts and do not feed.
This innovative approach underscores the potential of BSFL in marrying conservation, sustainability and community benefits in Victoria Falls.
